Snakes Under the Bridges

A course all about slithering: kids turn into snakes and go tummy-down under bridges of poles, arches and ropes, then pull themselves along a bench with their arms. They build crawling skills and arm strength.

How to play

1. Set up in a row: 3 pole bridges on cones at 12 inches, 2 arches, a rope between cones and the tunnel. At the end, the gym bench with mats on both sides.
2. Lying on the floor, show the snake: tummy down, move with elbows and feet, saying "sssss" (1 min).
3. Snakes start one at a time when you tap their shoulder, a few seconds apart. They slither under every bridge and walk back around the outside (4 min).
4. On the bench: lying tummy-down on top, they pull themselves along with both hands on the edges. Stay right beside it (3 min).
5. Tambourine: now they are upside-down snakes, on their backs, pushing with their feet under the arches (3 min).
6. Finish: all the snakes coil up on the mat in a ball, then stretch out slowly (3 min).

Rules

• Under the bridges, always lying down: no standing up underneath.
• On the bench, one at a time and no rushing.
• If you bump a pole, it falls by itself: the teacher puts it back.
• Leave space behind the snake in front.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: pass the arches seated, pushing with the arms.
• Autism: set the course up before kids enter and mark the start with a snake picture.
• More skilled: slither using only the arms; less skilled: crawl on all fours under the high bridges.

Learning goals

• Slither coordinating arms and legs.
• Judge height to get under without touching.
• Strengthen the arms by pulling body weight.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gym bench: 1
• poles: 3
• cones: 8
• foam arches: 2
• ropes: 1
• fabric tunnel: 1
• mats: 3

Teacher tip

Check that the floor is clean, since slithering gets clothes dirty and can scrape. If kids pile up, add a second row of bridges alongside.

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