Four Corners: Swap and Stay In
This is the traditional game of four corners: in groups of five, four children stand in their corner hoops and one is in the middle; on "switch!" everyone changes corners and the middle player tries to grab a free one. Whoever ends up without a corner goes to the middle, so nobody is ever out.
How to play
- Groups of five: four hoops in a square, one child in each corner and one in the middle (2 min).
- In slow motion: the middle child calls "switch!" and everyone walks to a different corner (2 min).
- Play at running speed; whoever is left without a corner goes to the middle and calls the next "switch!" (4 min).
- Like the traditional game: corner players agree with a look and swap in pairs (2 min).
- Each group collects its hoops and brings them to the basket (2 min).
Rules
- On "switch!", everyone leaves their corner.
- One child per corner.
- No pushing: first foot in keeps the corner.
Variations
Easier
For 4-year-olds, the teacher is always in the middle and switches happen at a walk.
Standard
For 5-year-olds, the full game with the middle player calling "switch!".
Harder
For confident 5-year-olds, corner players swap in pairs with a look, like the traditional game.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: their corner is closer to the middle, and when it's their turn in the middle they can pick a stand-in.
- Hearing loss: "switch!" comes with a clap with arms raised high.
- Autism: a steady group and several walking rounds first to learn the switch.
Learning goals
- React quickly to a signal.
- Decide which corner to run to.
- Get to know a traditional playground game.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 20
- basket: 1
Teacher tip
Set hoops about 13 feet apart. If a child is stuck in the middle too long, add a rule: on the third time, they choose who goes in the middle.
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