EQUIPMENT
2 long jump ropes
24 fuzzy balls
1 dot per student
2 short cones
STORYLINE
Today we are playing River Crossing. In this game, you are all a part of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition. You have come across a river (jump ropes) in your path and you need to get to the other side. The waters are very dangerous and only way to cross is to use the steppingstones (dots) and holding hands with another classmate. Your goal is to work together to get across the river.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will select each of you a partner to cross the river with.
- You may only step on the steppingstones.
- You cannot step on the river or you will have to start over.
- You may share a steppingstone with your partner.
- We will begin a new game when everyone has crossed safely.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Game 2: Partners cross the river holding hands.
Game 3: Remove 1-2 dots so that it becomes more challenging to cross.
Game 4: Remove a few more dots. Add a fisherman on the side of the river that is casting out a line (fuzzy balls). If a student gets hits with a line, he/she will have to start over.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach: Switch up partners each game so that students get a chance to work with multiple students.
- Safety: Partners must hold hands without interlacing fingers to avoid unnecessary injury.
- Discussion: Ask students to share who they saw doing a good job at crossing the river with their partner. What strategies did they use successfully?