Chair-and-Sheet Tunnel

Two facing rows of chairs with a sheet over the top make a long tunnel in the classroom, and before going in children weave in a zigzag between more chairs. They crawl, creep and move like different animals, building coordination in low, narrow spaces.

How to play

1. Together, set up two facing rows of six chairs with a child-sized gap between them and drape the sheet over the chair backs (3 min).
2. Before the tunnel, walk in a zigzag between four loose chairs without touching them (2 min).
3. Crawl into the tunnel on hands and knees, one after another, and come out the other side saying “I'm out!” (3 min).
4. Now belly-crawl, pushing with arms and legs like lizards (2 min).
5. Each child picks an animal to go through as (cat, bear, seal) and the kids outside guess which one (3 min).
6. Take the tunnel down: fold the sheet with a partner and put the chairs back (2 min).

Rules

• Go in when the child in front is all the way out.
• No stopping or turning around inside the tunnel.
• Don't touch or push the chairs.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: make the tunnel wider and swap belly-crawling for rolling or scooting.
• Autism or fear of the dark: leave one side of the sheet up to let light in, or go through just the uncovered part.
• Visual impairment: a buddy waits at the exit clapping to guide the way.

Learning goals

• Crawl and creep coordinating arms and legs.
• Adjust the body to low, narrow spaces.
• Respect turns and the order of the line.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Chairs: 16
• Bedsheet: 1

Teacher tip

Set the chairs with seats facing out and backs facing in; they're more stable that way. Clip the sheet to the chair backs with clothespins so it doesn't fall on the kids.

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