EQUIPMENT
1 dot per student
2 long jump ropes
24 fuzzy balls
Optional: 2 playground balls
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Island Hopper. In this game you are on the islands of Indonesia. Your goal is to catch the komodo dragon that is hopping from island to island (dots) in search of food.
INSTRUCTIONS
Before the game begins, line up on along either jump rope shoulder-to-shoulder with your fuzzy ball.
I will begin as the komodo dragon.
When I say, “GO!” throw your fuzzy ball underhand as the komodo dragon hops across the islands.
The komodo dragon can only stand on the islands and not in the water.
If the komodo dragon is hit (shoulders and below), he/she is kicked off the island.
We will begin a new game once I get kicked off.
You may only retrieve balls at the end of each game.
I will select a new person to be the komodo dragon.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Game 2: Increase the number of komodo dragons.
Game 3: Each dot color represents a value - grape, banana, cherry, blueberry and avocado. Students have to collect (hop on) each fruit.
Variation: Add playground balls. Balls must be rolled.
TEACHING TIPS
Approach: Increase or decrease the distance between the jump ropes and islands depending on the class’ ability level.
Discussion: Ask students to share examples of how they faced the komodo dragon as they threw their fuzzy ball.