The Shepherd's Shoulder Bag
Each child is a shepherd with a shoulder bag (a cloth tote) and roams the field collecting lost beanbag "sheep," feeling the bag get heavier and heavier. It works moving while carrying a load, sensing weight and a traditional farm job.
How to play
- Explain that shepherds used to carry a shoulder bag for their lunch and things they found (1 min).
- Hang the bag on your shoulder and stroll through the field with a pretend staff (2 min).
- Pick up beanbag sheep from the ground and put them in the bag (3 min).
- With a full bag, climb the hill (walk around the cones) and come back down slowly (3 min).
- Switch the bag to the other shoulder and notice if it feels the same (2 min).
- Bring the sheep to the pen (a marked area) and take them out one by one, counting (3 min).
Rules
- I carry the bag on my shoulder, not dragging it.
- I pick up sheep without taking them from anyone's hand.
- If it's too heavy, I drop a few off at the pen.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, just a few beanbags and a flat path.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, more sheep in the bag and climbing the hill.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, switch shoulders every lap and collect only the sheep of their assigned color.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: hang the bag on the back of the wheelchair and collect sheep from a low table or with a classmate's help.
- Visual impairment: sheep have a bell sewn inside and the field is smaller.
- Less strength: carry fewer sheep or wear the bag across the chest.
Learning goals
- Move while carrying a load.
- Notice how weight changes as objects are added.
- Learn about a traditional farm job.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cloth tote bags: 25
- beanbags: 40
- cones: 6
Teacher tip
Check that the bag handles aren't too long so they don't drag and trip anyone. Cap the number of beanbags per bag for 3-year-olds: each is light, but ten together add up.
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