The Invisible Goodbye Backpack

Before leaving, each child pantomimes filling an invisible backpack with something from class, puts it on carefully and walks out slowly. It builds pantomime skills, calm and an emotional close to class.

How to play

1. Standing in a circle, the teacher pulls an invisible backpack from behind their back, unzips it and asks what we're taking home today (1 min).
2. Each child opens their own pretend backpack and mimes putting in something from class: a jump, a laugh, the hoop, a friend's hand (2 min).
3. Zip it up very slowly, “zzzzzip,” and put it on: one arm, then the other (1 min).
4. Feel its weight and walk slowly around the room with a tall back so nothing falls out (1 min).
5. At the door, turn around and wave goodbye to the room: “See you next time!” (1 min).

Rules

• Only good things from today fit in the backpack.
• Zip slowly so nothing escapes.
• Walk carefully so we don't wake up the room.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the backpack hangs on the wheelchair and rolls out slowly.
• Autism: use a real empty backpack as a prop so the pantomime has a reference.
• Visual impairment: describe each gesture aloud and guide the child's hand on the zipper.

Learning goals

• Represent actions through pantomime.
• Recall something positive from class.
• Leave the room calmly.

Teacher tip

Little ones take the invisible backpack very seriously, so use it to slow down the exit. If someone packs something bad, say we'll leave that in the gym's trash can.

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