Hoop Bus Routes

In groups of three, students ride inside a hoop like a bus, following the teacher's traffic signals, switching drivers and transferring between buses. Students work on moving in sync, responding to signals and getting along.

How to play

1. Use cones to mark streets and a traffic circle, and spread flat disc cones as bus stops. Make trios: each one stands inside a hoop held at the waist; the front student is the driver (2 min).
2. Buses move according to the card you hold up: green, jog; yellow, walk; red, stop in place. Switch every 15-20 seconds (3 min).
3. On 'Switch drivers!', the driver moves to the back without letting go and the second student takes over (2 min).
4. On 'Transfer!', each bus pulls into a stop; the last rider gets off and boards the next bus that arrives, with a maximum of four per hoop (4 min).
5. Add a new rule: always turn right at the traffic circle, and buses yield to each other with a wave (2 min).
6. Finish with 'Train!': all buses hook on by holding the hoop in front, and the whole class walks one lap of the court (2 min).

Rules

• Hold the hoop with both hands, and nobody lets go while the bus is moving.
• The driver sets the pace and warns riders before turning.
• No bus leaves anyone behind: the group finds room for anyone without a hoop.
• Safety: on a red card, stop in place right away, with no pushing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student is the bus garage; buses pick them up and push the wheelchair inside a large hoop.
• Hearing impairment or autism: the colored cards work on their own as signals; preview each change with a hand gesture.
• Fitness level: a student with less stamina rides in the middle of the hoop, where others set the pace.

Learning goals

• Coordinate steps with two classmates without letting go.
• Respond quickly to visual signals.
• Welcome classmates when groups change.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 9
• cones: 12
• flat disc cones: 6
• cardstock: 3

Teacher tip

Young kids tend to run on yellow, so pause briefly and review the colors. Use hoops 30 inches or larger so three children fit.

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary