May I Pass? My Partner's Tunnels

In pairs, one child makes a tunnel with their body (on all fours, legs apart, a bridge) and the other asks permission to go through: “May I pass?” It builds crawling skills, body control so they don't bump or knock over their partner, and the courtesy of asking to pass.

How to play

1. The teacher demonstrates an all-fours tunnel with a child and how to ask to pass; the tunnel answers “Go ahead!” or “Wait a moment” (2 min).
2. In pairs, an all-fours tunnel: the partner asks permission and belly-crawls underneath without touching the tunnel's tummy (2 min).
3. Switch roles and try a standing, legs-apart tunnel: crawl through on hands and knees (2 min).
4. Switch partners: the tunnel picks its shape (sideways, tall, low) and the other figures out how to get through and asks permission (2 min).
5. Tunnel line: three or four pairs set their tunnels in a row and the others go through one after another, asking at each tunnel (3 min).
6. The tunnels slowly collapse: everyone lies down on the mat and stretches out (1 min).

Rules

• Before I go through, I ask “May I pass?”
• The tunnel stays still while I go through.
• I go through without touching or pushing the tunnel.
• If the tunnel says “Wait,” I wait.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child makes an arch with their arms from the wheelchair for a ball or the partner's hand to pass through.
• Autism: start with a tunnel made of a hoop held between the two to avoid brushing contact.
• Less coordination: use taller, wider tunnels so the child can crawl through without touching.

Learning goals

• Crawl while controlling the body.
• Ask permission and wait for the answer.
• Hold a still position to help a classmate.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Mats: 8

Teacher tip

Do this on mats and remind them the tunnel can say “Wait” if tired. Kids often rush and topple the tunnel: ask them to pass “like a little worm that won't wake the bridge.”

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