This activity has been revised and was originally created by Kathy Heydt and Monica Allon and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
This motor development activity gives students the opportunity to work on weight shifting, muscle strength, kneeling, walking, jumping and hopping, for easier participation in recreational sports and exercise activities. Lessons include Orientation and Mobility, Adapted Physical Education, and Early Cognitive Skills.
Materials
Beanbag
Procedure
- Using a large, easy-to-balance beanbag, ask the student to put it on her head.
- Ask the student to perform a variety of movement activities while keeping the beanbag on her head.
- These activities can include any of the following, depending on the abilities of the student: crawling, knee walking, walking, jumping and hopping.
- Provide assistance as needed.
- Vary the direction of the movement: forward, backward, sideways.
- Vary the item to balance: stuffed animal, small opened box (made of cardboard or other flexible material), pillow.
- Vary the location of the item to balance: shoulder, nose, knee.
Hint: Perform the activities on a safe surface such as an exercise mat, and guard the student against falling or bumping into obstacles.
