Roly-Poly Wobblers

On mats, kids rock like roly-poly toys and try to hold still in low poses: sitting in a ball, kneeling, or on all fours lifting an arm. They work on static balance close to the floor and body awareness.

How to play

1. Lay out mats in a row or circle, one per two kids. Sit on a mat, hug your knees, and rock back and forth: "I'm a roly-poly: I wobble, but I don't fall down."
2. Rocking roly-poly: sitting and hugging their knees, they rock slowly back and come back up to sitting. 2 minutes.
3. Still roly-poly: sitting, they let go, lift their feet a little, and hold like a boat while you count to five together. 2 minutes.
4. Wobbly table: on all fours, they lift one arm, then one leg, and hold for a count of three. Walk around helping straighten backs. 3 minutes.
5. Kneeling roly-poly: kneeling with arms out; call "Wind!" and they lean to one side without falling; "Calm!" and they come back to center. 2 minutes.
6. Sleepy roly-poly: they lie on their side curled in a ball and rock very gently until they're still. 1 minute.

Rules

• Each child stays on their part of the mat, not touching others.
• Rock slowly so nobody bumps their head.
• If I tip over, I laugh and start again.
• Listen to the teacher's word before moving.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: seated balances with back support or a foam wedge, moving only the arms.
• Touch-sensitive kids (autism): allow their own separate mat with no contact with others.
• More skilled kids hold the boat with eyes closed; kids who need support have an adult gently steady their feet.

Learning goals

• Hold static balance in low poses.
• Notice which body parts are touching the floor.
• Control rocking and return to the starting position.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 10

Teacher tip

Great for three- and four-year-olds or after a high-energy activity. Show every pose yourself on the floor, at their level.

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