The Camel Caravan Crosses the Desert
Children are camels crossing the desert in a caravan with their load on their head or shoulder, climbing up and down dunes and arriving at the oasis. It builds balance on the move and the goal of carrying the load all the way.
How to play
- The teacher explains that a camel caravan is bringing gifts to the oasis village; camels walk slowly with long steps, swaying and chewing (2 min).
- Each camel loads its gift (a beanbag) and carries it on its head or shoulder across the desert without dropping it (3 min).
- The dunes are mats: the camels climb up and down them with their load; if it falls, they pick it up and keep going (4 min).
- "Sandstorm!": the camels kneel, cover their eyes with one hand and wait; then they continue in a line behind the lead camel (3 min).
- They reach the oasis: they drop the gifts into the hoops, drink some water, and lie down to rest in the shade of the palm tree (3 min).
Rules
- We walk slowly so the load doesn't fall.
- If it falls, we pick it up and keep going without getting upset.
- In the caravan we don't pass the camel in front.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the load goes on the shoulder or in a hand, and the dunes are flat mats.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, the load goes on the head, and the dunes are low folded mats.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, each camel carries two beanbags (head and shoulder), and the caravan goes down a narrow path between ropes.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a camel in a wheelchair carries the load on the head or lap and follows the path without dunes.
- Visual impairment: the camel walks with a hand on the shoulder of the camel in front, like a real caravan.
- Less skill: carry the load on a flat open palm instead of on the head.
Learning goals
- Keep balance while moving with an object on top.
- Climb up and down soft surfaces with control.
- Reach a goal without giving up.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Beanbags: 25
- Mats: 4
- Hoops: 4
Teacher tip
Use soft beanbags that settle on the head. The usual mistake is looking down so the beanbag slides off, so ask for a "camel neck," eyes straight ahead.
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