Helpers Set Up the Play Area

In small groups, children bring out equipment and place it where photo cards taped to the ground or wall show, setting up the play area together. It builds spatial orientation, responsibility and cooperation as an opening routine.

How to play

1. Place photo cards of equipment around the playground and form four helper teams (1 min).
2. Each team gets a card that matches one on the ground and looks for their spot (2 min).
3. They go to the bin, take the equipment in their photo (cones, hoops or poles) and carry it together to their spot (3 min).
4. Arrange it like the photo: hoops in a row, cones in a circle, poles across cones (3 min).
5. Walk the set-up area together to check it matches the photos and try each zone (2 min).
6. Applause for the helpers, and the game begins (1 min).

Rules

• Carry poles upright and walk.
• Each team sets up only its own zone.
• If another team needs hands, go help.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child carries cones on their lap and directs the placement as site boss.
• Visual impairment: tactile cards with a real piece attached (a bit of hoop) and a guide buddy.
• Autism: keep the same helper job for a whole week.

Learning goals

• Use a picture to place objects in space.
• Take on a responsibility within the group.
• Cooperate to set up the play area.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Cones: 8
• Hula hoops: 8
• Plastic poles: 6
• Equipment photo cards: 4

Teacher tip

It takes longer the first few days, but within weeks they set up almost on their own. Take photos of the real set-up with a tablet and laminate them.

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