Rolling Logs Down the Hill

Four hills made of a foam wedge and a mat where kids roll like logs, first downhill and then on flat ground. They practice log rolling, body awareness and overall coordination.

How to play

1. Set up 4 wedges, each followed by a long mat, and make 4 groups of 5, one per hill.
2. Lie down to demonstrate: arms stretched over your head, legs together, and "Roll, little log!" Kids walk back to the wedge along the side (1 min).
3. Round 1: roll down the wedge and keep rolling to the end of the mat. The next child goes when the one before is on the flat mat (3 min).
4. Round 2: roll hugging a soft ball to the chest, "the log is carrying a pinecone" (3 min).
5. Round 3: on the flat mat, roll one way, then roll back the other way (3 min).
6. To finish, lie on the mat as very still logs and listen to soft tambourine taps while breathing (2 min).

Rules

• Roll only when the mat in front is clear.
• Arms always stretched out, without hitting anyone.
• Walk back along the side, never on the mat.
• If you feel dizzy, sit and rest.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: an adult helps turn from the hips, or the child rolls a large ball down the wedge.
• Visual impairment: always the same mat, with a buddy who calls out when they reach the end.
• More skilled: roll in a straight line; less skilled: a very low wedge and a gentle push at the hip.

Learning goals

• Log roll while keeping a direction.
• Feel the body in different positions.
• Respect space and turns.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam wedges: 4
• mats: 4
• soft balls: 20
• tambourine: 1

Teacher tip

Three-year-olds get dizzy easily: limit them to 4 or 5 rolls in a row. Keep each group on its own mat to avoid collisions.

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