The Castle's Narrow Hallway

Children are knights and princesses crossing the castle's narrow hallways sideways, with their back or tummy to the wall, without touching the walls. It works on sideways movement and fitting the body into tight spaces.

How to play

1. We use chairs and ropes on the floor to make two hallways, one wide and one very narrow; cushions at the end are treasure chests (2 min).
2. In the wide hallway we walk sideways facing one wall, step by step, without crossing our feet (2 min).
3. In the narrow hallway we go through sideways, first with our back and then our tummy to the wall, without touching the chairs (3 min).
4. At the chest we touch it and come back sideways facing the other way (3 min).
5. We finish sitting in the castle's great hall and telling which hallway was trickier (2 min).

Rules

• In the hallway, walk sideways.
• Feet come together and step apart; they don't cross.
• One knight at a time, the next one waits.
• If you touch a wall, that's okay; keep going slowly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: make a wider hallway that a wheelchair can roll through slowly without brushing the sides.
• Visual impairment: they can trail a hand along the chairs to know where the wall is.
• Autism: if waiting in line is hard, give them a set turn and a card with their number.

Learning goals

• Move sideways without crossing their feet.
• Fit their body through narrow spaces.
• Take turns going through a hallway.

Equipment for a class of 25

• chairs: 10
• jump ropes: 4
• cushions: 6

Teacher tip

Make sure the chairs won't tip if someone brushes them. It's a calm activity, perfect for rainy days indoors.

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