The Arm Tunnel That Opens for Everyone

The group forms a tunnel with joined arms, and each child goes through it their own way while the tunnel turns tall, low or wide to let them pass. It builds varied ways of moving and cooperation, with a group that adapts to each classmate.

How to play

1. Two lines facing each other; hold hands with the child across and lift them up: we have a tunnel! (2 min).
2. The first child chooses how to go through (walking, crawling, slithering, sideways or by wheelchair) and the tunnel goes tall, low or wide for them (3 min).
3. When they come out, they join the end and become part of the tunnel, until everyone has had a turn (3 min).
4. The tunnel moves: arms wave like ocean waves as a classmate passes, without touching them (2 min).
5. Last pass: the teacher goes through, and anyone who wants gives a gentle group hug at the end (2 min).

Rules

• Before I go through, I show how I'll do it.
• The tunnel adapts: tall, low or wide.
• Tunnel arms don't touch the child going through.
• I wait my turn in my spot in the tunnel.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the tunnel opens wide and tall for the wheelchair; when it's their turn to be the tunnel, they hold their partner's hands from the chair.
• Blind or low vision: the child goes through with one hand brushing the tunnel's arms while classmates softly say their name.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: the teacher stands at the end of the tunnel and signals with their hands whether it should go up or down.

Learning goals

• Travel in varied ways, choosing their own.
• Adapt the group's action to each classmate's needs.
• Feel that the group makes room for everyone.

Teacher tip

Have the child about to go through show the tunnel their way of crossing first, so everyone adjusts ahead of time. If someone doesn't want to go inside, they can walk along the outside giving high fives.

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