Sack races

Having sack races using pillowcases

Materials Required

Pillowcases to use as the sacks

Play experience profile

Age:

Preschoolers
Min Playtime

5 - 15 Minutes
Skills

Gross motor, Physical
Energy Level

Active play
Messiness Rating
EYLF Outcomes

Learn More

Play Experience Preparation

Find the appropriate number of pillowcases- one for each child - Add some larger hessian sacks for adults if they want to join in - Find a flat grassy area outdoors.

Experience Steps

Explain the activity to your child- find a flat grassy area outdoors.
Show them the pillow case and how they use this as a sack.
Tell them they're going to use the sack to jump like a kangaroo - practice jumping without a sack first.
Let them practice using the sack and provide physical assistance if needed.
Once they can jump well, suggest a jumping kangaroo race.
Have as many adults and children join from the family as you like.
Have fun!

What to talk about, or questions to ask during the experience

Let's see if we can jump like a kangaroo.
Wow, great jumping.
Now let's see if we can jump like a kangaroo inside our sack.
It's tricky, but keep practicing.
You've got it, great job.
Look at you go jumping like a kangaroo.

Build on this...

You could introduce three legged races or outdoor obstacle courses.

WHO guidelines for physical activity and sedentary behaviour
Provide evidence-based public health recommendations for children, adolescents and adults on physical activity. Learn more

Jumping keeps you physically active.

EYLF Outcomes
The Early Years Learning Framework has been designed for use by early childhood educators working in partnership with families, children’s first and most influential educators. View PDF

Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing
Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity

EYLF Principle

Principle 3: High expectations and equity. Children progress well when they, their parents and educators hold high expectations for their achievement in learning.

EYLF Practice

Practice: Learning through play. Play can expand children’s thinking and enhance their desire to know and to learn. In these ways play can promote positive dispositions towards learning. Children’s immersion in their play illustrates how play enables them to simply enjoy being.