Grade level: 4-8
Equipment: Up to 50 small objects (beanbags, cones, balls, etc), mesh bags (or containers)
Game Description: Snakes is a team-building game that has players moving around together quickly and swiftly as snakes, trying to pick up as many objects as they can. Here’s how to get started: spread all of the small objects somewhere along the floor, have groups form snakes (maybe 4 or 5 players per snake – each snake has a head, body, and tail), and give the last person in line (the tail) the collection bag. Basically, on the starting whistle, all the snakes will travel around trying to collect the objects from the floor. However, only the HEAD (front person) of the snake is allowed to pick up the objects. Then the object MUST be passed down the snake from player to player all the way to the tail, who can then place the object into the bag. Play this game for a specified time limit, or until all objects have been collected. Switch up groups, or create different sizes of snakes. As usual, think of ways to modify or spice up this game to suit the needs of your players!
Category: Team-building
Hula Hoop Rescue
Grade level: K-5
Equipment: Cones, Hula hoops
Game Description: This teambuilding relay-type game will really get the players moving and working together. Create teams and have 1 player from each team start behind a cone with a hula hoop, facing his teammates across from him at the opposite cone. On the signal, the players with the hula hoops will run across to their teammates and “save” or “rescue” the first person in line by placing the hula hoop over them. Then the two must travel together back to the original cone. The one who was rescued then becomes the rescuer and continues on to save the next person, etc, etc until all players have been saved and brought to the starting point. But that’s not it – once all the teammates have been rescued, the team must then join hands and race to pass the hula-hoop from person to person by passing their bodies through the hula hoop. Hands may not come apart during the hula-hoop pass. The team to complete both tasks first wins a point or the round. As always, play again and again!
(Thanks to Mike @mdfrailoli for this game idea).
The Number Game
Grade Level: K-6
Equipment: None
Game Description: This warm-up or teambuilding game is simple, yet awesome! Students spread out in the playing area. Give maybe 20-30 seconds for them to just run around and around (or skip, hop, gallop, spin, etc). When the time is right, the teacher yells out a number (example, “SIX!”) and then the students must quickly form groups of 6 (or whatever number is called). Any players who didn’t make a group must complete 6 jumping jacks or exercise of choice. Then play again! Great to play along with music. Especially a great idea for large groups of students. Also, a good discussion about inclusion and personal/social feelings could be attached to this game.
The Maze
Grade Level: 2-8
Equipment: Poly spots (lilly pads)
Game Description: This is a teambuilding game where students take turns trying to find their way through the maze of lilly pads and get to the end. But with every wrong move, they must head to the back of the line and give someone else a chance. It’s great for memory-practice, communication, and team activity. Create fun and challenging mazes, switch up the leaders, and give it a go!
Shipwreck
Grade level: 3-8
Equipment: Hula-hoops
Game Description: In ‘Shipwreck’ teams of sailors will race their boats from one end of the gym to the other. Of course it won’t be that easy… players need to work together. Teamwork is the key! Read More →
Ants On A Log
Grade level: K-6
Equipment: None
Game Description: Ants on a Log is a teamwork or team-building strategy game. The Ants (students) stand in an initial order on the log (a line or a bench). The goal is that the players attempt to reverse their position or order without falling off the log Read More →
Back-To-Back
Grade level: 2-6
Equipment: None
Game Description: Back-to-Back is a relationship building trust game. Partners stand back-to-back and work together to try to get into a seated position without using their hands. Once seated, they try to get back up. Then move onto bigger groups and really watch the fun begin! Groups of 4, 6, or even more! Read More →
Pass It On
Grade level: 2-8
Equipment: Hula hoops, various items
Game Description: This team-building game is great for any physical education class. Players will work together to pass objects to each other to be the first team to successfully move all objects from one end to the other. There’s a catch though…players are must all lay down on their backs and pass only with their feet. Read More →
Find A Way!
Grade level: 2-8
Equipment: Objects of varying sizes (large to small)
Game Description: Here’s another team-building and communication game called ‘Find A Way’. In this game, players will work together as a group to find a way (ie, figure out a way) to all touch an object at the same time. Start with a large object, something like an exercise ball, and once the group has accomplished that, then move to smaller and smaller objects Read More →
Team Memory
Grade level: K-8
Equipment: Beanbags, frisbees or bowls
Game Description: This game is a must play! Players work together both physically and mentally to collect their teams beanbags that are hidden beneath cover. It’s a memory game, so some sharp thinking is needed to be successful. It’s also a movement game, where speed can be advantageous. Read More →