Pattern Relay: What Comes Next?
Teams relay to continue a color pattern the teacher starts, bringing flat disc cones one at a time from a center hoop. Then each team creates its own pattern for another team to finish, and the game moves on to movement patterns.
How to play
- Make 5 teams of 5 lined up behind a cone. In front of each line, leave room for a row of 10 discs. In the middle of the playground, about 30 feet away, place a big hoop with about 60 flat disc cones in four colors (3 min).
- The teacher lays the first three discs of each pattern, such as red, blue, red, and asks the class what color comes next.
- On the whistle, the first runner goes to the center hoop, grabs one disc of the color that comes next, and adds it to the pattern, then high-fives the next runner.
- When the pattern reaches 10 discs, the team sits and reads it out loud. The teacher checks and changes the pattern type: AAB, ABC, or ABBA (6 min, 3 patterns).
- Each team makes a four-disc pattern and leaves it for the team on its right to finish in a relay (3 min).
- Finish with movement patterns: the teacher does jump, jump, clap and the class keeps the pattern going nonstop for 30 seconds (3 min).
Rules
- Take discs from the center hoop without pushing and return on the other side.
- Do not step on the discs while running: run beside the pattern.
- If a disc is wrong, the next runner may fix it before getting a new one.
Variations
Easier
Two-color patterns (ABAB) with only six discs.
Standard
Three pattern types (AAB, ABC, ABBA) with ten discs.
Harder
Patterns that combine color and position, such as discs right side up or upside down, or growing patterns (AB, AAB, AAAB).
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: place the discs in the pattern and decide with the team; set the center hoop closer for their trip.
- Students who are visually impaired or colorblind: use discs of different sizes or shapes as well as colors.
- Fitness level: move the center hoop farther away for students who need more running.
Learning goals
- Recognize and extend repeating patterns.
- Create their own patterns and explain them to others.
- Take turns and work together in a relay.
Equipment for a class of 25
- flat disc cones: 60
- cones: 5
- hoops: 1
Teacher tip
With young students, walk along the pattern reading it out loud before running so they lock in the rule.
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