Over or Under the Pole?

Poles are set at different heights around the playground, and each child decides whether to jump over, step over, or crawl under. Children practice fitting their body to the space and deciding based on what they see.

How to play

1. Before starting, the teacher sets about ten poles around the playground: some on the ground, some on flat blocks (low), and some slotted into tall cones (high) (1 min).
2. Free exploration: everyone gets past every pole however they like, without knocking them down (3 min).
3. The teacher shows the three ways: pole on the ground, jump; low pole, step over one leg then the other; high pole, crawl or slither under (2 min).
4. On the drum beat, everyone travels the playground choosing the right way at each pole (3 min).
5. The teacher calls “Over!” or “Under!” and we find a pole where we can do that (3 min).
6. Finish by slithering very slowly under the highest pole like little worms until we lie flat (2 min).

Rules

• If I touch the pole and it falls, I put it back where it was.
• One friend at a time goes past each pole.
• Going under, keep your head down and go slow.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: set some high poles at wheelchair height to pass under by ducking the head.
• Visual impairment: use bright poles and a buddy who calls “High!” or “Low!” on arrival.
• Autism: place a picture card next to each pole showing how to pass it.

Learning goals

• Adjust movement to the obstacle's height.
• Make decisions based on the situation.
• Practice jumping, crawling and slithering.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Plastic poles: 10
• Cones with pole holes: 8
• Agility blocks: 6

Teacher tip

Poles should just rest in place so they drop at the slightest touch. Spread the heights around the playground so no line forms at the most fun one.

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