Bridges and tunnels: a 15-minute kindergarten PE partner game

1. Teach three bridges: the bear bridge (hands and feet on the floor, hips high), the table bridge (on hands and knees, back flat) and the wide stand (feet wide apart, hands on knees).
2. Practice holding each bridge for a count of 5, with a strong, still body.
3. Split into two groups. Group 1 spreads out and makes table bridges. Group 2 crawls under as many bridges as they can before the song ends.
4. Switch groups. Then try the bear bridge and the wide stand, which make taller tunnels.
5. Add a rule: say "thank you, bridge" each time you pass under one.
6. Finish with a class tunnel: everyone makes a wide stand in a line and one student at a time crawls through to the end, then joins the line.

Safety: tunnels are for crawling under, never climbing over; bridges hold for short times and lower gently to the floor if arms get tired; play on carpet or mats; crawlers go slowly and look ahead. Every session: warm up first, clear the space, keep water nearby, and stop if anything hurts or a student feels dizzy or unwell.

Differentiation: students who need support can make the table bridge only, or hold a bridge against a wall. A student who uses a wheelchair can be a bridge by holding arms wide while others crawl past, or roll through a tunnel of wide stands. Students who are ready can hold the bear bridge with one foot lifted. English learners can say under, through and bridge.

Quick check: ask each student to show one bridge and hold it still for a count of 5.

For a full year of free kindergarten PE sessions, see Move Every Day from UpOnly Learning.

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