Two Little Goats on the Narrow Bridge

Based on the old fable of two goats who meet on a narrow bridge, children cross a bench from opposite ends and learn to work out who goes first without pushing. It builds balance, a rule for sharing a space and making decisions with a partner.

How to play

1. Seated, the teacher tells the fable: two goats meet on a narrow bridge, neither gives way, they push and fall in the river; two other goats agree and both get across (2 min).
2. Set up two benches with mats on both sides. First everyone crosses the bridge in the same direction, one after another, like little goats (3 min).
3. Now goats start from both ends. Rule: 'If I see another goat on the bridge, I wait for it to get off'; the teacher helps them decide (3 min).
4. Second rule: 'If we arrive at the same time, one says “You go first” and the other says “Thank you.”' Play in pairs from opposite sides (4 min).
5. Act out the fable's happy ending: the two goats meet and walk back together, holding hands, to the same side (2 min).

Rules

• Only one goat fits on the bridge.
• If someone is on the bridge, I wait for them to get off.
• If we arrive together, one says 'You go first' and the other says 'Thank you.'
• Nobody pushes on the bridge.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: their bridge is a narrow cone corridor on the floor with the same rules.
• Autism: preview the goat story and the phrase 'You go first' with pictures.
• Visual impairment: they cross with an adult alongside and ask 'Is anyone on the bridge?' before stepping up.

Learning goals

• Keep balance walking along a bench.
• Settle peacefully who goes first.
• Follow a rule for sharing a narrow space.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Gym benches: 2
• Mats: 4

Teacher tip

Always have an adult by each bench and mats on both sides. The common mistake is both goats walking on until they meet in the middle: teach them to look at the bridge before stepping up.

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