The Sheet That Carries Teddy

In groups of six, children hold a sheet by its edges and together carry a teddy bear and some balls on it to teddy's bed (a hoop) without anything falling off. It builds a strong grip, matching steps with the group and letting go together.

How to play

1. Each group holds its sheet by the edge with both hands and lifts and lowers it together: "Up, down" (2 min).
2. Put the teddy on top and walk together slowly without letting it fall (2 min).
3. Carry teddy to his hoop bed and drop him in by lowering the sheet all at once (3 min).
4. Add teddy's toy balls: carry everything without letting anything roll off (3 min).
5. Give teddy a gentle ride by rocking him in the sheet, then let him sleep (2 min).

Rules

• Nobody lets go of the sheet until the teacher says so.
• Walk at the group's pace without pulling.
• If something falls, stop, and the closest person picks it up.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child holds a corner from the wheelchair and the group matches their speed.
• Autism: always the same corner, marked with a colored clothespin.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: show "up, down" with an arm signal everyone can see too.

Learning goals

• Grip and hold a material together with the group.
• Coordinate movement with classmates.
• Cooperate to reach a shared goal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Old bedsheets: 4
• Stuffed animals: 4
• Foam balls: 12
• Hoops: 4

Teacher tip

Use crib sheets or sheets cut to about 3 by 3 feet for six kids. Usually one child pulls harder; ask for "the sheet should look like a bed, not too tight and not saggy."

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