Double Roll, Holding Hands

In pairs, lying head to head and holding hands, children roll sideways together without letting go, like a two-person roll. They practice rolling in sync with someone else's rhythm.

How to play

1. Push mats together side by side to make a long path, and each pair picks a spot (1 min).
2. First, everyone rolls alone like a log to remember how (2 min).
3. The teacher and a child demonstrate the double roll: lying head to head, arms stretched out, hands joined (1 min).
4. Pairs roll counting "One, two, turn!" so they flip at the same time (4 min).
5. Try rolling one way and coming back the other way without letting go (3 min).
6. Rest lying on your backs, still holding hands, looking at the ceiling (1 min).

Rules

• We don't let go of our partner's hands.
• We count together before each turn.
• If one says "stop," we both stop.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child rolls with an adult as partner, who gently sets the pace.
• Autism: let the child pick a partner and start with the scarf if holding hands is uncomfortable.
• Hearing impairment: add hand squeezes to the count: one, two, turn.

Learning goals

• Roll sideways in sync with a partner.
• Match speed to another person's rhythm.
• Communicate to keep the game safe.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Mats: 10

Teacher tip

Pair children of similar size; if one is much bigger, they'll drag the other. The typical mistake is one child rolling early, so insist on counting together out loud.

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