Five Stones to Cross the River

A small group has to cross the river using only five hoops (stepping stones) that they keep moving forward, without stepping in the water. The whole class, in groups, helps every group reach the other bank, practicing balance, decision-making and cooperation.

How to play

1. Mark the river with two ropes about 25 feet apart. The teacher tells the story: “These magic stones move, but only when someone stands on another one” (2 min).
2. Demo with a group of five: each child in a hoop in a row, the last child picks up their empty hoop, it's passed hand to hand to the front, and everyone steps forward one stone (3 min).
3. All groups of five start at once; the teacher slowly sings a made-up river song and the groups try to arrive before it ends (3 min).
4. Groups that make it go back to help others by holding hands from the bank or passing hoops (2 min).
5. Second time: the river is wider and each group decides how to do it; we check if everyone makes it (3 min).
6. Sitting on the bank, each group shares the trick they used (1 min).

Rules

• I only step inside the stones.
• If I step in the water, I get back on my stone; nobody is out.
• Hoops are passed hand to hand.
• We've won when every group gets across.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child gets a bigger hoop that the group slides forward along the ground, so no jumping is needed.
• Autism: model the step several times with pictures and give the child the specific job of passing hoops.
• Visual impairment: use high-contrast hoops and a buddy who says “hoop in front” before each step.

Learning goals

• Keep balance in a small space.
• Decide as a group how to solve a movement problem.
• Help other groups until everyone succeeds.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hoops: 5
• Ropes: 2

Teacher tip

Practice passing the hoop forward in place first. A common problem is one child carrying all the hoops alone; “hand to hand” is the golden rule.

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