Pom-Pom Through the Tunnel
In pairs at a table, children use a straw to blow a large pom-pom into a tunnel made from a shoe box, first on their own and then helping each other. It works on aiming the breath, eye-mouth coordination, and teamwork.
How to play
- The teacher shows how to blow through the straw: only blow out, never suck in, and don't chew the straw (1 min).
- Each pair sits at opposite ends of a table with the tunnel (an upside-down shoe box with two arches cut out) in the middle (2 min).
- Taking turns, each child blows the pom-pom from their side into the tunnel; the partner catches it on the other side and blows it back (4 min).
- The teacher puts obstacles on the table (plastic cups), and the pom-pom has to go around them before entering the tunnel (3 min).
- Team challenge: both blow at the same time from the same side to get the pom-pom through the tunnel together (2 min).
Rules
- I only blow out through the straw.
- My straw is just mine: no sharing, no chewing.
- I wait my turn to blow.
- If the pom-pom falls off the table, I pick it up and start from my side.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, no straw: they blow straight from the mouth and the tunnel is big.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, with a straw and a regular tunnel.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, a narrower tunnel and obstacles they set up themselves.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: adjust the table height to the wheelchair.
- Visual impairment: a brightly colored pom-pom on a dark tablecloth, and the partner taps the table to show where the tunnel is.
- Autism: start alone with their own tunnel before moving to pairs.
Learning goals
- Aim the breath precisely.
- Coordinate eyes and blowing.
- Play with a partner and take turns.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Straws: 25
- Large pom-poms: 13
- Shoe boxes: 6
- Tables: 6
Teacher tip
Cut the straws in half: shorter straws are easier to aim. Use pom-poms at least 1.5–2 inches wide, never small ones.
PatioLab has "Pom-Pom Through the Tunnel" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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