Error Hunters: Relays With Peer Observers

While one team runs relays, another watches with a checklist of four common mistakes and gives tips for the next round. It works on the baton pass and respectful peer assessment.

How to play

1. Teacher demo with the four mistakes exaggerated: looking back, leaving too late or too early, switching hands, and passing outside the zone (4 min).
2. Round 1: A teams run relays while B teams watch and fill in the checklist (6 min).
3. Switch: B teams run, A teams watch (6 min).
4. Each observer gives two tips to the team they watched, and the team agrees on an improvement plan (4 min).
5. Round 2 for everyone using the plan, with a new observation (6 min).
6. Wrap-up: which mistake did we fix best? (4 min).

Rules

• The checklist tracks team mistakes, not names.
• Tips start with something that went well.
• The baton is never thrown; if it drops, the passer picks it up.
• Observers stay outside the lanes, next to the exchange zone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: observe by sound, judging whether the "Hand!" call comes on time.
• Students with reading difficulties: a checklist with pictures of the mistakes.
• Injured students: act as a fixed observer and present their team's summary.

Learning goals

• Identify mistakes in the baton pass.
• Give and receive feedback respectfully.
• Improve the pass with an agreed plan.

Equipment for a class of 25

• relay batons: 6
• cones: 24
• observation sheets: 6
• pencils: 6

Teacher tip

Make the checklist with icons; it's faster to fill in. Common mistake: observers watch the runner, not the hands; place them right at the exchange zone.

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