Bumper Cars That Never Bump

Each child drives a bumper car (a hoop held at the waist) around the fair track and has to steer clear of everyone so nobody bumps, while the track keeps getting smaller. It works on dodging classmates and fitting movement to the open space.

How to play

1. We mark out a big track with ropes; each child steps into a hoop and holds it at waist height: that's their car (2 min).
2. With music on, we drive around the track at a walk, looking for open spaces, without touching any other car (3 min).
3. We speed up to a gentle jog: if two cars are about to bump, one turns and finds another way (3 min).
4. The teacher moves the ropes inward: the track is smaller, so we go slower and more carefully (3 min).
5. The ride's over: we park our cars and talk about how many times we had to turn (3 min).

Rules

• Cars don't bump.
• If I see a car ahead, I turn.
• When the track is small, go slowly.
• Always hold your hoop with both hands.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the wheelchair is their car and the track has wide lanes; everyone gives them extra room.
• Visual impairment: they drive as a pair, with a classmate behind holding their hoop like a two-seater car.
• Autism: the hoop gives them their own space, which is often calming; they can start by driving along the edge of the track.

Learning goals

• Dodge classmates while moving.
• Adjust speed to the open space.
• Look out for others by avoiding collisions.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 25
• jump ropes: 6
• music

Teacher tip

The hoop marks each child's space and helps them judge distance. Don't shrink the track so much that it becomes impossible; the challenge is adjusting, not crashing.

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