Color-Zone Map Dash

On the playground map each zone is colored in, but there are no markings on the real playground. The teacher holds up a colored card and everyone runs to the matching real zone according to the map. It builds color-coded map reading, reaction and speed.

How to play

1. Draw a large playground map split into 5 colored zones (red: basketball hoops; blue: goals; green: trees; yellow: benches; orange: fountain) and hang it on the wall.
2. Walk through the 5 zones with the map in view (3 min): in each one, students call out its color.
3. Game (5 min): the teacher holds up a colored card and everyone runs to that zone. The last ones in are not out; they become helpers who point to the zone in the next round.
4. Second phase in pairs (5 min): each pair has a small map. The teacher shows two cards, and pairs go to the first zone and then the second.
5. Finish (2 min): each zone has a scarf of its color hidden in it; the pair that finds it brings it back and the class checks it matches the map.

Rules

• Run in the same direction as most of the class and slow down entering the zone.
• No pushing to get there first.
• Wait for the next card inside the zone, standing still.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student gets a head start or is the referee who checks on the map whether the group is in the right zone.
• Hearing impairment: the game is visual; raise a scarf as the start signal.
• Fitness level: fitter pairs are sent to the far zones in the second phase.

Learning goals

• Recognize playground zones from a color-coded map.
• React to a visual signal by moving to the right place.
• Check their location on the map with a partner.

Equipment for a class of 25

• maps: 14
• cardstock: 5
• handkerchiefs: 5

Teacher tip

At first many students just follow classmates instead of reading the map, so move the wall map now and then to make them orient it. Avoid calling two zones in a row that make groups cross head-on.

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