Pencils Drawing a Straight Line

Lying stretched out with arms overhead, children roll sideways from one end of a mat lane to the other like pencils drawing a line. They practice log rolling while keeping the body straight and on course.

How to play

1. Line up mats to make lanes and stick tape at the end of each: "That's where the line ends" (1 min).
2. The teacher lies down and shows the pencil: arms stretched overhead, legs together, body stiff (2 min).
3. Taking turns two per lane, roll to the tape and walk back along the outside (4 min).
4. Now we're colored pencils: roll, and when you get there, say what color line you drew (3 min).
5. To finish, roll slowly one way and then the other so no one gets dizzy (2 min).

Rules

• Pencils stay stiff with legs together.
• Go when your friend in front has reached the tape.
• Walk back on the outside of the lane.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: an adult helps the roll by holding shoulder and hip together, or the child rolls a foam roller down the lane.
• Visual impairment: line the lane with pool noodles so the child can feel drifting off course.
• Autism: keep one fixed lane and a familiar friend in front.

Learning goals

• Roll sideways with an outstretched body.
• Keep a straight course while rolling.
• Respect turns and spacing in the lane.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Mats: 8
• Masking tape: 1

Teacher tip

Keep lanes away from walls and furniture. If kids drift, it's because a hip or knee bends: "Your pencil is crooked!" and they'll fix it themselves.

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