The Box Tunnel We Build

Together we join cardboard boxes open at both ends into a long tunnel, then crawl through it in lots of ways. Children crawl through a tight space and share a group building project.

How to play

1. We show the boxes open at both ends and decide together where the tunnel will go (2 min).
2. The teacher tapes the boxes together while the kids decorate the outside with drawings (4 min).
3. First trip: we crawl through the tunnel one at a time, counting to three before the next one goes in (3 min).
4. Other ways: backward, belly-crawling, with a stuffed animal on our back (4 min).
5. We move one box so the tunnel has a curve, then go through again (2 min).
6. We sit around the tunnel and share our favorite part (1 min).

Rules

• I go in when the friend ahead has moved along and I've counted to three.
• I don't stop to rest inside the tunnel.
• We take care of the tunnel: no climbing on top.
• If I feel stuck or scared, I raise my hand and the teacher opens a box.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a very large box open at the top is the tunnel station, where friends crawling through stop to say hi.
• Autism: let the child explore the tunnel alone before the others, and they may go last.
• Blind or low vision: tape strips of different textures on the tunnel floor so they can feel how far they've gone.

Learning goals

• Crawl through a long, narrow space.
• Help build a play space.
• Take turns going in.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large cardboard boxes: 8
• Packing tape: 1
• Markers: 10

Teacher tip

Ask the grocery store for boxes a few days ahead and remove staples. The usual problem is everyone crawling in at once and getting stuck: one child at the entrance is the "gatekeeper."

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