Roly-Polies Curl Up
Roly-polies walk on all fours, and if someone touches them or there's a loud noise, they curl up and roll sideways on the mat. Children explore curled-up rolling and how we protect ourselves when something feels scary.
How to play
- We talk about roly-polies curling up when they're scared and try the ball shape: knees to chest, chin down (2 min).
- Rocking the ball: side to side without letting go of the knees (2 min).
- The roly-polies crawl over the mats; at a loud drumbeat, ball! and they roll once to the side (3 min).
- In pairs: one roly-poly gently touches the other's back, and it curls up and rolls (3 min).
- The last ball stays still and opens very slowly once the danger is gone (2 min).
Rules
- To make a ball: knees on chest, head tucked.
- I roll sideways, never forward over my head.
- I touch my partner gently.
- If I don't want to be touched, I say so.
Variations
Easier
Age 3: just rock in a ball without rolling all the way.
Standard
Age 4: one full sideways roll, then crawl again.
Harder
Age 5: two curled-up rolls in a row and crawl off in the direction the teacher says.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child makes a ball by hugging themselves in their wheelchair and rocks.
- Autism: replace the partner's touch with the drum sound if contact is unpleasant.
- Deaf or hard of hearing: signal "danger" by flicking the lights or with a big gesture.
Learning goals
- Roll sideways in a tucked position.
- Protect the head while rolling.
- Talk about fear and how we keep ourselves safe.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Mats: 6
- Hand drum: 1
Teacher tip
Keep saying "roll to the side," not forward: this isn't a somersault yet. Push the mats together with no gaps.
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