EQUIPMENT
4 balance beams
1 dot per student
24 fuzzy balls
10 short cones
Optional: 10 beach balls, 10 playground balls
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Coast Guard. In this game you are the Coast Guard and have to save the stranded survivors (fuzzy balls) in the ocean by using your helicopters (balance beams) and lifejackets (dots). Your goal is to get all of the survivors back to the shore. Remember, we are working together in this game to help us create a community.
INSTRUCTIONS
Before the game begins, line up shoulder-to-shoulder on the baseline.
I will give each person a lifejacket and I will select four people to distribute the helicopters.
When I say, “GO!” you will have one minute to set your helicopters and lifejackets into the ocean.
At the end of the minute, you must line back up on the baseline.
When I say, “GO!” you will have five minutes to try and bring back all of the survivors.
If you fall into the ocean (step on the ground), you must start over at the baseline.
If you fall into the ocean while holding a survivor, you must bring back the survivor and start over.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Game 2: Eliminate the number of life jackets students are allowed to put in the ocean.
Game 3: Decrease the amount of time the Coast Guard has to bring all the survivors back to shore.
Game 4: Introduce a tidal wave (teacher) that takes the lifejackets away. Once the game begins, every 10 seconds the tidal wave swallows one lifejacket at a time.
Variation: Add additional survivors (beach balls, playground balls, etc.).
TEACHING TIPS
Make sure no one is peeking or uses words other than Yee or Hah