Paper Plate Sliders: Skater Steps

With a paper plate under each foot, students glide like skaters and cross-country skiers. It wakes up the legs and hips and builds dynamic balance.

How to play

1. Stand on two plates and slide each foot forward and back in place, alternating (2 min).
2. Travel across the gym with skater strides: push out to the side and glide (2 min).
3. Slide one foot out to the side and back, like a side lunge, five per leg (2 min).
4. In pairs, follow the leader, copying their skating path without passing (2 min).
5. Ice rink finale: the whole group skates the same direction and reverses on a clap (2 min).

Rules

• Only on a smooth, dry floor with no sand.
• Everyone travels in the same direction except during in-place work.
• Walking pace: you win by gliding long, not by running.
• Broken plate goes in the recycling box; grab a new one.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plates under the hands from the wheelchair, sliding the arms forward and out.
• Ankle or knee injury: arm work with plates on a table or bench.
• Hesitant students: skate holding a partner's hand for the first few minutes.

Learning goals

• Activate leg and hip muscles.
• Improve dynamic balance.
• Reuse disposable items in a meaningful way.

Equipment for a class of 25

• paper plates: 60

Teacher tip

Leftover party plates work if they are dry. They won't slide on rough blacktop, so use thick cardboard scraps or move to the gym. Common mistake: running on the plates; ask for long, slow strides.

More activities like this

More warm-ups for Middle School