Roll It Through the Tunnel
Kids roll a ball into a crawl tunnel, watch it come out the other end, and then crawl through to get it. Children practice rolling with aim, crawling, and the ideas of in and out.
How to play
- Set up 2 or 3 tunnels apart in the gym, with a hoop at the exit of each. Make small groups, one per tunnel, with one ball per child (1 min).
- Demonstrate: kneeling at the entrance, roll the ball into the tunnel with two hands: "Bye-bye, ball!" Then crawl through and find it in the hoop: "Hi, ball!" (1 min).
- Each child takes a turn; as soon as the child ahead is inside, the next one goes. Kids walk back outside the tunnel with their ball (4 min).
- Switch: a partner waits at the exit and catches the ball as it rolls out, then they trade roles (3 min).
- Challenge: push the ball through the tunnel with the head or one hand while crawling (2 min).
- Finish: put all the balls in the tunnel and lift it together so they roll out (1 min).
Rules
- Go in when the child ahead is already inside.
- Crawl slowly inside the tunnel.
- Nobody climbs or lies on top of the tunnel.
- Walk back on the outside, not through the exit.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use a short tunnel with the teacher cheering at the exit.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, roll, crawl, and catch in pairs.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, use a long or curved tunnel, and the ball must roll out into the hoop.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: roll the ball through from outside and a buddy brings it back, or be the catcher at the exit.
- Autism or fear of small spaces: keep one end open and visible, and let the child just roll the ball.
- Skill levels: confident kids roll with one hand; kids who need support use a large ball.
Learning goals
- Roll a ball in a set direction.
- Crawl through an enclosed space.
- Understand in, out, entrance, and exit.
Equipment for a class of 25
- crawl tunnels: 3
- soft balls: 20
- hoops: 3
Teacher tip
No tunnels? A row of chairs covered with a sheet works. Keep groups to 6–7 per tunnel so the wait stays short.
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