Ceiling, Floor: The Counting Roll

While rolling sideways, children say "ceiling" out loud when they face up and "floor" when they face down, and count how many rolls they make. They become aware of each full turn and keep rhythm with their voice.

How to play

1. Line up mats and stick a big sticker on the ceiling or high on the wall above the row (1 min).
2. Lying on the back, look at the sticker and say "ceiling"; roll to the tummy and say "floor" (2 min).
3. Roll the whole row saying "ceiling, floor, ceiling, floor" in time with the turns (3 min).
4. Now count the "ceilings": how many full rolls fit in our row? (2 min).
5. Roll in slow motion whispering the words, and finish lying on your back looking at the sticker (2 min).

Rules

• Say the word at the same moment you turn.
• Roll one after another, without bunching up.
• If you feel dizzy, stay on your back looking at the ceiling.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: an adult turns the child from back to tummy while the child says the words.
• Hearing impairment: instead of saying the words, point up or down after each turn.
• Visual impairment: pat the mat with the hand when saying "floor" and touch the chest when saying "ceiling."

Learning goals

• Notice each half turn while rolling.
• Coordinate voice with movement.
• Estimate and count rolls.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Mats: 8
• Large stickers: 2

Teacher tip

The ceiling sticker really helps kids who get mixed up while rolling. Don't do more than two rows in a row per child to avoid dizziness.

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