Little Builders Obstacle Path

In small groups, kids build one section of the course using the equipment they get and a picture card. Then the sections are joined and the whole group travels the path they created. They work on cooperation and coordination.

How to play

1. Prepare 4 cards, each with a drawing of a section: hoops in a row, ropes in a zigzag, foam blocks and cones. Put the matching equipment beside each one.
2. Make 4 groups of 5. Each group gets a card: "You're builders. You're going to make this part of the path" (2 min).
3. They build their section from the drawing while you help each group (5 min).
4. Join the 4 sections into one course. Each group shows theirs by going through it first (2 min).
5. Everyone travels the whole path, starting a few seconds apart on a tambourine tap, and repeats it several times (5 min).
6. Tambourine: each group changes something in its section ("add a hoop") and they go through again (4 min).
7. Closing circle: each group says what they built and what they liked about another group's section (2 min).

Rules

• Walk while carrying equipment, with two kids if it's heavy.
• Blocks go on the floor, never stacked more than two high.
• Travel the path in one direction only.
• Everyone helps build and clean up.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child places pieces within reach and one section is accessible.
• Autism: give a specific job within the group, like placing all the hoops.
• More skilled: they suggest how to travel their section; less skilled: they build with an adult beside them.

Learning goals

• Build as a team following a model.
• Travel their own course combining locomotor skills.
• Appreciate classmates' work.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam blocks: 6
• hoops: 6
• ropes: 3
• cones: 6
• mats: 2
• cardstock: 4
• tambourine: 1

Teacher tip

Three-year-olds build best by copying: place one piece and let them copy. Keep equipment near each area.

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