The Four Pantries

Four teams each have a pantry in a corner and there's a pile of beanbags in the middle: children carry them one at a time, from the middle or from other pantries, and in the last round the challenge is for every pantry to end up with the same amount. It works on running, choosing where to go and the idea of a fair game for everyone.

How to play

1. Make four teams, each next to its pantry (a hoop) in a corner (2 min).
2. Round one: carry beanbags from the pile in the middle to our pantry, one at a time (3 min).
3. Once the middle is empty, you can also take from other teams' pantries (3 min).
4. Stop and count together how many beanbags each pantry has (2 min).
5. Sharing round: we want all pantries to have the same, so we carry beanbags to the one with the fewest (3 min).
6. Put the beanbags in the basket, each team collecting its own pantry (1 min).

Rules

• One beanbag at a time.
• I set it in the pantry, no throwing.
• Nobody blocks their pantry with their body.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: use a shorter route in the wheelchair or hand out beanbags from the middle.
• Autism: a "one" card and a go-to buddy on their team.
• Visual impairment: play holding a buddy's hand, with a drum sounding at their pantry to help them find it.

Learning goals

• Run and change direction with a purpose.
• Decide where to take from and where to bring.
• Look for a fair share for everyone.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 4
• beanbags: 40
• basket: 1

Teacher tip

Make it clear from the start that there's no winner: "How can we make sure nobody runs out of food?" Keep hoops away from walls so nobody crashes while stopping.

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