Group Up! The Number Decides the Exercise

Students jog freely and, when a number is called, form groups of that size and do the matching task. A warm-up with no elimination that mixes the whole class.

How to play

1. Free jog. The teacher calls a number and groups of that size form; anyone without a group joins the closest one (2 min).
2. Each number has a task: 2 = back-to-back squats, 3 = hand-triangle and high knees in place, 4 = train in single file that jogs to a wall and back (3 min).
3. Now the number means points of contact: 'five feet,' or 'three points' for a group of two. Each group finds its solution and holds three seconds (3 min).
4. Students take turns calling the number and task (2 min).

Rules

• No one is left out: incomplete groups take whoever arrives.
• No turning anyone away, and no repeating the exact same group twice in a row.
• For contact points, feet, hands or knees only: no climbing on anyone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the number is also shown with raised fingers.
• Wheelchair users: their group adapts the task, and wheels count as contact points.
• Students who are often left out: the teacher stays nearby and calls numbers that fit the class total.

Learning goals

• Warm up gradually.
• Pay attention and respond quickly to cues.
• Group up with anyone, leaving nobody out.

Teacher tip

Work out beforehand which numbers divide the class evenly. Forming groups is the touchy moment: if someone is always left out, make them 'captain' of the next round.

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