Upside-Down World Between My Legs

Standing with legs apart and hands on the mat, children peek between their legs to find pictures placed behind them, then lower their upper back onto the mat. It prepares the forward roll by practicing head tucks and upside-down orientation.

How to play

1. Place picture cards behind each mat, and each child stands in front with their back to the card (1 min).
2. The teacher shows the bridge shape: legs apart, hands on the mat and head looking between the legs (2 min).
3. Look upside down and call out the picture; stand up slowly and switch mats (3 min).
4. Now, from the same shape, tuck the chin and lower the back of the neck and shoulders onto the mat with the teacher's help, then stand back up (3 min).
5. Anyone who wants can try ending by sitting off to one side instead of standing (2 min).
6. Sit in a circle and talk about how the world looks upside down (1 min).

Rules

• We stand up very slowly so we don't get dizzy.
• Hands stay on the mat.
• We only put our back down with the teacher there.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: sitting, lean forward to look at a card placed on the floor behind the feet.
• Visual impairment: swap pictures for objects that make sounds or have textures to touch afterward.
• More skilled children: move the card to another mat and have them describe it without turning around.

Learning goals

• Get comfortable with the head upside down.
• Tuck the chin before lowering the back.
• Regain orientation when standing back up.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Mats: 10
• Picture cards: 10

Teacher tip

If someone gets dizzy, have them sit and wait a moment before going on. Keep the cards close so kids don't strain their necks to see.

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