Narrow Streets Between the Tables

The aisles between the tables become the streets of a little town, and children walk them on tiptoe, sideways, crouched or like giants as the teacher calls out. They warm up while learning to move through a narrow space without bumping.

How to play

1. Push all the chairs under the tables so the streets are clear, and the teacher shows where you can walk (1 min).
2. Stroll the streets at a normal walk, everyone in the same direction like cars on a one-way street (1 min).
3. “Super narrow street!” Walk sideways with your back to the table as if squeezing down an alley (1 min).
4. “Low roof!” Walk crouched like elves, then on tiptoe without a sound because the neighbors are sleeping (1 min).
5. “Intersection!” When you meet someone at a corner, stop, say “You go first,” and keep going (1 min).
6. Each child heads back to their own table as if arriving home, pulls out their chair and sits down (1 min).

Rules

• Everyone goes the same way, like a one-way street.
• No running in the streets, just strolling.
• At an intersection, one person says “You go first” and waits.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair or walker users: keep one wide street open as their avenue, which everyone else also uses.
• Autism: give the child a set street to start on and preview the next cue with a picture card.
• Visual impairment: hold a buddy's hand and trail the edge of the tables as a guide.

Learning goals

• Warm up with different ways of walking.
• Move through narrow spaces by adjusting the body.
• Follow the direction of traffic and let others go first.

Teacher tip

Check beforehand that no backpacks or coats are on the floor. Draw an arrow on the board to show the direction; little ones really benefit from seeing which way to go.

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