Circle Number Race

In circles of six, every student has a number. When the teacher calls it, those students run a lap around the outside of their circle and return to their spot; the first to sit down scores a point for their circle. Students work on reaction and speed.

How to play

1. Make four circles of six or seven students sitting on flat disc cones about 5 feet apart. Number each student from 1 to 6 (2 min).
2. Call a number. In all four circles, that student stands up and runs one lap around the outside of their circle clockwise.
3. After the lap, they go back to their spot and sit. The first of the four to sit earns a point for their circle.
4. Change the starting position: sitting, lying on the back, kneeling or squatting. About 18 calls (7 min).
5. Add commands: "Switch!" reverses direction, and "Two laps!" means two laps (3 min).
6. Count points per circle (2 min).

Rules

• Always run outside the circle in the direction called.
• Seated students tuck their legs in so they are not in the way.
• Circles are 5 yards apart so nobody collides.
• If two students tie, they share the point.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: in a wheelchair, the circle leaves extra space and the student goes around a larger hoop path.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: show the number with your fingers as you call it.
• Lower fitness: nobody is ever out; the student may choose to hold one or two numbers to run less or more.

Learning goals

• React quickly to a sound cue.
• Accelerate and run a tight curve while staying balanced.
• Respect the running direction and the circle rules.

Equipment for a class of 25

• flat disc cones: 26

Teacher tip

Keep track of the numbers you call so everyone runs the same amount. The tight curve can cause slips, so cue leaning in and short steps.

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