The Empty Jug Goes for a Walk
Each child takes their empty water jug for a walk like a puppy: they carry it in one hand and then the other, circle around it, and lift it up to the sky. It's a whole-body warm-up that builds coordination while moving with an object.
How to play
- Each child grabs a jug by the handle and walks it around the room like a pet puppy (1 min).
- When the drum taps, switch hands and keep walking; another tap, switch again (1 min).
- "The jug is tired!" Set it on the floor and circle around it walking, on tiptoe and with little hops (2 min).
- Pick it up with both hands, lift it to the sky, lower it to your feet, and swing it gently side to side (1 min).
- Walk it a bit faster, and when the drum stops, sit down and hug your jug (1 min).
Rules
- My jug stays with me, in my hand.
- When the drum stops, I stop.
- We never throw the jug.
- I look where I'm going so I don't bump anyone.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, just walk and circle around the jug, using either hand, with no switching on the drum.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, switch hands on every drum tap and circle both ways.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, walk on tiptoe and backward, and pass the jug from hand to hand behind the back.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair holds the jug on their lap and lifts it up and down while a friend walks alongside.
- Autism: preview the three parts of the game with pictures (walk, circle, hug) and always give the child the same color jug.
- Hearing impairment: pair each drum tap with a big hand signal for "switch" and another for "stop."
Learning goals
- Warm up the body with a variety of movements.
- Coordinate movement while carrying an object with one and two hands.
- Respond to a sound signal.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Empty water jugs: 25
- Hand drum: 1
Teacher tip
Ask families to send in rinsed jugs with caps a week ahead, and keep a few spares. At first everyone wants to run, so model a slow, exaggerated dog-walking stroll.
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