Rolling Under the Sleeping Dragon
Children roll sideways under a sheet stretched low between chairs, the belly of a sleeping dragon, without touching it so it won't wake up. They practice rolling flat to the floor and controlling their space.
How to play
- Stretch a sheet between four chairs about 16 inches off the floor, with mats underneath and at the exit (2 min).
- The teacher explains a dragon is sleeping under the sheet and we must roll past without brushing its belly (1 min).
- Taking turns, roll sideways underneath and tiptoe out on the other side (3 min).
- Lower the sheet a little with the clothespins: now we roll even closer to the floor (3 min).
- The teacher plays the snoring dragon; if someone touches the sheet, the dragon just rolls over and keeps sleeping (2 min).
- Everyone lies down around the dragon and sleeps with it (1 min).
Rules
- One child goes under at a time.
- We roll; no crawling or standing up under the sheet.
- If we touch the sheet, that's OK: just keep going slowly.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, a higher sheet, and they can wriggle or roll however they like.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, roll sideways underneath without touching the sheet.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, a lower sheet and roll with arms stretched overhead.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: go under a higher sheet in the wheelchair, or roll a ball under the dragon.
- Autism: use a soft-colored sheet that doesn't make it fully dark, and let the child peek underneath first.
- Visual impairment: the teacher claps at the end of the tunnel to guide the roll.
Learning goals
- Roll with the body stretched out and flat to the floor.
- Fit movement to a tight space.
- Enjoy a little thrill in a safe game.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Mats: 8
- Large sheet of fabric: 1
- Chairs: 4
- Clothespins: 8
Teacher tip
Attach the sheet only with clothespins, no knots, so it comes loose if someone pulls. Use heavy chairs or have someone sit on them so they don't tip.
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