The Little Table That Keeps Its Tablecloth

On all fours, children are little tables with a scarf on top as a tablecloth, and they try moving arms and legs without it falling off. They work on trunk stability and posture control slowly and with focus.

How to play

1. Sitting down, the teacher shows table pose: hands and knees on the floor, back flat like a table (2 min).
2. Everyone becomes a table and a friend or the teacher puts the scarf on their back; the table breathes calmly without dropping it (2 min).
3. The table lifts one hand slowly, puts it down and lifts the other (2 min).
4. The table stretches one leg back, puts it down and stretches the other (3 min).
5. Magic table: reach one arm and the opposite leg at the same time, count to three and switch; at the end, pick up the tablecloth and fold it (3 min).

Rules

• The table moves very slowly so the tablecloth doesn't fall.
• If the tablecloth falls, I put it back and keep going.
• I help my friend put on their tablecloth.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: be a seated table, scarf on the head or lap, moving one arm at a time.
• Autism: if the scarf on top bothers them, put it on the floor between the hands and try not to touch it.
• Less coordination: use a small cloth beanbag instead of a scarf; it slips less.

Learning goals

• Keep the trunk steady while moving arms and legs.
• Control slow movements.
• Focus on one's own body.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pañuelos: 25

Teacher tip

Thin scarves slide off easily: fold each one in four so it has a bit more weight. It's a very quiet activity, so use it to bring the volume down.

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