Island Rescue
Students stranded on hoop 'islands' must be rescued by teammates who carry hoops to build a path back to the shore. The activity develops cooperation, planning, jumping and balance.
How to play
- Scatter hoops as islands in the middle of the area and mark a shore line with cones at one end; make teams of 6 (prep and 1 min).
- In each team, 3 students start stranded on islands; the other 3 are rescuers on the shore with 2 hoops each (1 min).
- On the whistle, rescuers place hoops to make a path; stranded students step or jump from hoop to hoop toward the shore (4 min).
- Players may only step inside hoops; if someone steps outside, they go back to the last hoop.
- The team wins when everyone is on the shore; swap roles and play again with fewer hoops (6 min).
- Discuss how the team planned the path and who helped whom (2 min).
Rules
- Step only inside the hoops.
- Help each other: hold hands to cross a big gap.
- Place hoops on the floor; don't throw them.
- One person per hoop unless you are helping someone balance.
Variations
Easier
Use many hoops close together.
Standard
Use fewer hoops, so rescuers must move and reuse them.
Harder
Add a time limit, such as a rising 'tide' every 2 minutes that removes a hoop.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility or wheelchair users: use wide hoops or floor spots large enough to roll onto, or make the student the rescue leader giving directions.
- Autism or anxiety: give clear roles and a picture of how the game works.
- Fitness level: place hoops closer together for students who can't jump far.
Learning goals
- Cooperate and plan with a team to solve a problem.
- Improve jumping and balance between targets.
- Help and support classmates.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 30
Teacher tip
Hoops can slide on smooth floors, so this works best on grass or blacktop. Remind students that jumping is optional: stepping is fine when hoops are close.
PatioLab has "Island Rescue" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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