Build-and-Swap Warm-Up Dice
Each group builds a cardstock die with six warm-up exercises that follow a clear progression, then swaps it with another group to test it. Students practice planning, creativity, and giving useful feedback on someone else's work.
How to play
- Make groups of four and give each group a printed cube template on cardstock, markers, and masking tape.
- For 4 minutes, the group writes one exercise per side: two mobility moves, two locomotor moves, and two higher-intensity moves, each with reps or seconds.
- Groups assemble the die and test it themselves with two rolls to check that the instructions make sense.
- On the signal, each group hands its die to the group on its right and gets a new one.
- For 5 minutes, the group takes turns rolling the new die and doing each move; whoever rolls leads and counts.
- In the last minute, each group returns the die with a sticky-note comment: which move worked best and which one they would change.
Rules
- Every side must show the exercise and the amount, written large.
- If a high-intensity side comes up on one of the first two rolls, roll again.
- Feedback on another group's die is respectful and includes one suggestion.
- Safety: no kneeling on hard surfaces and no fast neck rolls.
Variations
Easier
Give a list of twelve moves so the group only picks and copies six.
Standard
Each group invents and writes its own six moves following the progression.
Harder
The die must include one move per body area and one partner move, and the receiving group rates its clarity from 1 to 5.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the group includes at least two sides that can be done seated or with support, and the student can be the group's writer.
- Visual impairment: write the sides in very large print and have a partner read each roll out loud.
- Fitness level: each side can list a high and a low amount, and students choose theirs.
Learning goals
- Design a short exercise sequence that builds intensity gradually.
- Write out an exercise clearly enough for another group to follow.
- Give respectful, specific feedback on classmates' work.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cardstock: 6
- markers: 12
- masking tape: 3
Teacher tip
Have templates pre-cut to save time; if you're short on time, the die can be a sheet with six numbered boxes plus a regular die.
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