Downward Dog Tunnel

The group forms a line of downward dogs close together, and the last student crawls slowly under the tunnel to the front. It builds holding a pose, patience, and care for classmates in a calm end to class.

How to play

1. Groups of six place their yoga mats end to end in a line; everyone stands at the back of their mat (0.5 min).
2. Everyone does downward dog: hands and feet down, hips high, looking toward the feet; three breaths (1 min).
3. The last student in line lies down and army-crawls or crawls slowly under all the dogs, without touching them, to the front (1 min).
4. At the front, they make their own dog and the new last student starts through; meanwhile, the others may bend their knees to rest (3 min).
5. When everyone has gone through, they lie face down in crocodile pose and breathe slowly with the forehead on their hands (1.5 min).

Rules

• Go at turtle speed; anyone who rushes goes back to the end.
• Dogs keep their hips high while someone is underneath.
• If a dog needs a rest, they drop their knees only when nobody is under them.
• No talking in the tunnel; cheer each other on with your eyes.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student is the tunnel keeper, seated at the front, and greets each classmate with a gentle high five.
• Autism or fear of tight spaces: the student crawls along the side of the tunnel or goes first so nobody is above them.
• Lower fitness: the student does the dog with knees down, like a tall tabletop.

Learning goals

• Hold a yoga pose while breathing calmly.
• Move slowly with body control underneath classmates.
• Wait for a turn and look out for the group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• yoga mats: 25

Teacher tip

Check that mats are pushed together so no gaps open up. Ask taller students to widen their stance to make room.

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