Two of Us Pull the Heavy Bag

In pairs, each child holds one handle of a cloth bag filled with beanbags and together they drag it along the floor following a cone path to "home." It builds arm and leg strength, agreeing on a direction and helping each other.

How to play

1. Fill each bag with a few beanbags and tie the handles together (2 min).
2. In pairs, each child takes a handle and drags the bag in a straight line (2 min).
3. Follow the cone path around the curves without letting go (3 min).
4. Add more beanbags so it's heavier and drag again (2 min).
5. Try pulling backward, walking backward and looking over your shoulder (2 min).
6. Reach home, empty the bag and give each other a team hug (2 min).

Rules

• We both pull the same way.
• If my friend stops, I stop too.
• We drag the bag, we don't lift it or throw it.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child in a wheelchair holds one handle on their lap while their partner pushes; together they move the bag.
• Visual impairment: the partner says "curve," "straight" or "stop" on each stretch.
• Less strength: trios instead of pairs, with a rope tied to the bag for the third child.

Learning goals

• Build pulling strength.
• Coordinate direction with a partner.
• Help each other reach a shared goal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cloth tote bags: 12
• beanbags: 40
• cones: 6

Teacher tip

Do this on a smooth surface (concrete or wood), not sand, or the bag rips and won't move. Watch for pairs pulling in opposite directions; it always happens, and asking "Which cone are we heading to?" fixes it.

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