Sack Race Treasure Hunt

Children jumping in sacks

Use old pillowcases to allow children to explore jumping in a sack in a fun, no pressure environment. Good for any skill level.

Set up

Scatter toys and balls all around your environment. Give each child a pillowcase/jumping sack. Place one bucket centrally in your playing space - this is the treasure chest. Children get in their pillowcase, holding it up by their waist - ready to play.

How to play
Step 1:
  • When you say "Go!", children jump around the house/yard, looking for the toys you have hidden
  • When they find one, they collect it, and jump back to the bucket, dropping it in there
Step 2:
  • Continue looking for all the treasure!
Step 3:
  • Play again after letting children rest, hiding the treasure in new places
Variations
Make it easier
  • Hide the treasure closer to the bucket
  • To give children a rest - if playing with more than one child, allow them to take turns (a relay!)
Make it harder
  • Spread the treasure out over greater distances
Activity information
Age: 3-5 years, Kindergarten, Pre-Primary, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3
Participants: 1 +
Equipment: Jumping sacks, Pillowcase (optional), Soft toys, Buckets (optional)
Duration: 10 minutes
Skill focus
Explore these skills for teaching tips
Skill teaching

Jumping in a sack may be difficult for some children, as they aren't able to use their arms. Let them have a turn first, taking their time to explore this new movement. Encourage them to;

  1. Jump like a kangaroo (arms stay close to the body)
  2. Keep their eyes up
  3. Keep their feet together (under their shoulders, as opposed to a leaping action)
Activity summary
Physical literacy tips
  • Everyone works together to collect all the treasure as quick as they can - can all the treasure be collected in 5 minutes?