Group Ski Walk

Groups of 4 step onto a pair of giant skis, one foot on each board, and must move together through a cone course. They only move forward if everyone lifts the same foot at the same time. Students practice coordination, a shared rhythm, and communication.

How to play

1. Make 6 groups of 4 (one group of 5 that rotates). Each group gets a pair of wooden or foam group skis with 4 foot loops or straps.
2. Students step on one behind the other, hands on the shoulders of the person in front. The front person calls "left, right," and they try to move 15 feet (4 min).
3. Once they have the rhythm, they travel a curvy cone course about 60 feet out and back (5 min).
4. Challenge: finish the course without stepping off. Each time someone steps off, the group stops, resets, and continues (5 min).
5. Final round: switch the order so everyone gets a turn in front, and try going backward 15 feet (4 min).

Rules

• Take short, slow steps; no running on the skis.
• The front person always calls the rhythm out loud.
• If the group loses its balance, everyone slips their feet out and steps on the ground.
• Groups don't race each other: the challenge is finishing the course.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair leads the group by calling the rhythm from the front or judges each course run.
• Hearing impairment: set the rhythm with shoulder taps instead of voice.
• Skill level: groups that find it easy add low obstacles, like a pole on the floor.

Learning goals

• Coordinate your steps with your teammates.
• Keep a shared rhythm by following a signal.
• Communicate to fix the group's mistakes.

Equipment for a class of 25

• group skis: 6
• cones: 12

Teacher tip

If you don't have group skis, make them from two wooden boards with rope loops for the feet. Check that straps aren't tight so students can step out quickly.

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