EQUIPMENT
1 short jump rope or Chinese jump rope per 2 students
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Wiggly Worms. Your goal is to work with your partner to shape your wiggly worm (jump rope) into the letter, number or shape that is called out by the teacher.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide you into pairs.
- When I say, “GO!” work with your partner to shape the wiggly worm into the assigned number, letter or shape that is called out.
- You and your partner only have 20 seconds (or less) to shape your wiggly worm.
Game 1: Point to a student in the class. Each group has to make the first letter of his/her name.
Game 2: Call out various single-digit numbers (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9).
Game 3: Call out different shapes.
Game 4: In each pair, have one student call out a number, letter or shape of his/her choice and the partner has 20 seconds (or less) to make the desired object. Switch off roles after three tries.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach: If students start to argue about “who gets to move the wiggly worm,” have them Ro Sham Bo and trade off each round.
- Approach: Try rotating students after each game so everyone gets a chance to work with multiple partners.
- Safety: The jump ropes should stay on the ground in this activity and should not be tossed around.
- Discussion: Ask students to share how they worked together as a team to complete this challenge. What was easy or hard about working with their teammate to form the number, letter or shape with the jump rope?