The Pop-Up Tunnel: Nurturing Regulation and Social Interaction in Preschoolers

Here are five effective ways you can harness the power of a pop-up tunnel within play to facilitate children's exploration of their environment, their bodies, and the joy of shared experiences with their peers.

Idea 1: Obstacle Course Relay:

Set up a 2-step obstacle course incorporating the tunnel as one of the stations. Ask children to stand in a line and take turns navigating through the tunnel as part of a relay, then ask them to move like an animal along the carpet as they re-join the line. For example, slither like a snake, hop like a rabbit, walk like a crab. This activity fosters sharing, waiting for teammates, cheering for others alongside many foundation sensory motor skills such as postural control and bilateral coordination.

Idea 2: Cooperative Tunnel Crawling

Promote cooperative play by inviting two or more children to crawl through the tunnel together, whether it's side by side or starting from opposite ends and meeting in the middle. Encourage interactions, through waving or saying "hi" as they pass each other. This activity not only promotes turn-taking, body awareness, and spatial understanding but also enhances problem-solving skills as children navigate the tunnel with their peers. Additionally, crawling provides regulating proprioceptive feedback, as children actively engage their muscles while moving through the tunnel.

For additional sensory feedback: Place some pillows inside the tunnel to crawl over.

Idea 3: Cosy Relaxation Nook

Place soft pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals inside the tunnel to create a cozy relaxation nook. Encourage children to enter the tunnel in pairs and enjoy quiet play time together. They can turn on a fibre optic light, look at a book together or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere inside the tunnel. This activity promotes relaxation, bonding, and interaction in a calming, contained environment.

We've draped the transparent tunnel with a blue lycra fabric, permitting some light to filter through instead of total blackout. While some children may find solace in a dimmed environment, others may not favor it. It's essential to observe their play and sensory preferences and assist them in creating their optimal relaxing environment.

Idea 4: Hide and Seek Tunnel

Engage in a game of hide-and-seek utilizing the tunnel as a hiding spot. One child hides inside the tunnel while another child closes their eyes and counts. Encourage turn-taking by giving each child the opportunity to both hide and seek. This game aids in regulating arousal and engagement by embracing the thrill of hiding and being found, practicing patience while waiting for their turn, and fostering the concept of taking turns in the seeking role.

Consideration: This game is recommended for two children only. If a child finds themselves surrounded at both ends of the tunnel and wants to leave, it can trigger a fight or flight response, potentially leading to hitting, shoving or kicking as they attempt to exit.

Idea 5: Tunnel Ball Toss

Set up the pop-up tunnel in an open space. Children take turns tossing a medium-sized soft ball through the tunnel to a friend. This game improves hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and teamwork as kids encourage each other and celebrate moving the ball from one end of the other. Encourage cooperation by prompting children to collaborate in tipping or shaking the tunnel to assist the ball's journey. Emphasize that it's about teamwork, not competition. 

Adaptations for Enhanced Engagement:

• Encourage children to explore additional movement by rolling back and forth while inside the tunnel. Children can take turns rolling themselves or asking a friend to roll them along the carpet. This activity is likely to be stimulating for most children because of the vestibular input (rolling movement) and the unpredictable nature of that input, especially if being rolled by a peer. Adults may need to offer additional support to provide a more structured environment, regulate the pace of the activity, and ensure that all children continue to enjoy themselves.

With each adaptation, we learn more about the sensory preferences, likes and dislikes of each child and their needs. Through structured support and gentle guidance, you will observe pre-schoolers shifting from heightened excitement to a more relaxed state. It is so powerful to see this shift in energy while maintaining the fun and joy of being with each other.

Keep in mind the need for a transition activity to support calming down after tunnel play. One of my favorite relaxation activities is Bubble Mountain. Fill individual bowls or a large tub with water and a few drops of detergent. Then, invite children to blow through a straw to create a bubble mountain (or a bubble monster!). As they exhale and blow, their nervous systems will begin to relax, helping them transition to a more calm state. So much fun!

If you're an educator, parent, or caregiver seeking additional assistance in nurturing the regulation and social connection needs of the children you support or care for, please reach out to us for further support by emailing angela@sensoryhealthmatters.au