Bench Lineup Challenge

Groups of 6 stand on a gym bench and must rearrange themselves by a rule (by height, by birthday, by first name) without anyone touching the floor. Students practice balance, helping each other physically, and communication.

How to play

1. Set up 4 gym benches spaced apart, with thin mats on both sides. Make 4 groups of 6 (one of 7); each group steps onto its bench in whatever order they arrive.
2. First task: line up by height, shortest to tallest, without stepping off. To swap places, students hold on to each other and slide past (4 min).
3. If anyone touches the floor, they climb back on at their end of the bench and the group keeps going.
4. Second task: line up by birthday, with no talking, using only gestures (5 min).
5. Third task: line up alphabetically by first name. Groups that finish early help another group by giving tips from the floor (4 min). 2-minute wrap-up.

Rules

• To swap places, both students grip forearms and move slowly.
• No jumping off: if you lose your balance, step down with one foot onto the mat.
• No pushing to make room.
• Count each step-off, but no one is out.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: tape a line on the floor as the bench and let the student move along it in a wheelchair, or be the judge who checks the order.
• Autism or shyness: the student can be the coordinator on the floor, telling each person where to move.
• Skill level: if a group is very nervous, start with a tape line on the floor.

Learning goals

• Keep your balance on a narrow, raised surface.
• Give and accept help to swap places safely.
• Use verbal and nonverbal communication to solve a challenge.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gym bench: 4
• mats: 8

Teacher tip

Check that benches don't wobble and that mats are on both sides. Watch that no one climbs on a classmate to get past.

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