Cooperative Games

Mat Relay (2-5)

Each squad is given two folded gymnastics mats placed together on one side of the gym. Squads must work together to move the mats from one end of the gym to the other all the while remaining on top of the mats. Students are not allowed to touch the floor. If anyone in the squad touches the floor the squad must return to the start and begin again. Only directions are given, squads are not given any hints about strategies to get the mats across. This game really shows who works well with others.

From: http://pecentral.org/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=506

Mat Challenges (2-5)

Each squad is given one folded gymnastics mat in which all of the squad members stand on top of. Squads must work together to unfold and refold the mat all the while remaining on top of the mat. If any squad member touches the floor the squad must start over again.

From: http://pecentral.org/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=506

Titanic Challenge (1-3)

Each squad lines up on one end of the gym and is given three hula hoops and a gymnastics mat to stand on. Students are told that the mat they are standing on is the Titanic and the hula hoops are life boats. The Titanic has just hit an iceberg and each squad must work together to get all squad members off the titantic and across the sea to shore using the life rafts (hula hoops). Students may only touch the floor as long as they are in a life raft. If a squad member touches the floor outside a life raft, the squad must go back to their Titanic and start over.

From: http://pecentral.org/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=1430

Foam Ball Passover (1-5)

In squad lines students lay on their backs. The squad leader starts with a ball at his/her feet and must pass the ball to the next person in line using only the feet and keeping his/her back on the floor at all times. The person receiving the ball must also only use the feet and keep his/her back on the floor at all times. This continues until the ball reaches the end of the squad line and returns to the front.

From: http://pecentral.org/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=679