Project: Running a Field Day for Elementary Kids
The high school class designs, tests and prepares a field day of game stations for an elementary grade at their school or a nearby one. Students work on organizing physical activities, teamwork and the responsibility of leading young kids.
How to play
- Explain the task in 3 minutes: 5 stations of 5 minutes each for kids aged 8 to 10, with active, safe games and no elimination.
- Form 5 groups; each designs its station on a worksheet: name, goal, equipment, a 3-sentence explanation and one easier or harder version. 8 minutes.
- Each group sets up its station with equipment from the storage room and tests it with classmates playing as if they were 9 years old. 4 minutes.
- Test rotation: everyone visits the other stations in 2-minute blocks and writes one improvement on the worksheet. 10 minutes.
- Each group adjusts its station based on the feedback and decides who explains, who keeps time and who cheers. 3 minutes.
- Finish with 2 minutes planning the real day: schedule, equipment cleanup and how station changes will be signaled.
Rules
- No station includes elimination or rough contact.
- Instructions for the kids take less than 30 seconds.
- Every station has a plan for what to do if a child gets hurt.
Variations
Easier
Pick stations from a bank of games you provide and just adapt them.
Standard
Original design of five stations with worksheet, testing and improvement.
Harder
Add a shared storyline linking all stations and a team stamp-card system.
Adaptations
- A student with limited mobility can run the field day schedule or design the seated game station.
- Shy students can take the timekeeper or equipment role to take part without public speaking.
- Every station designs a version for kids with lower fitness or a disability.
Learning goals
- Design physical activities suited to the audience's age.
- Organize and lead an active community event as a team.
- Take responsibility for looking after younger students.
Equipment for a class of 25
- assorted equipment
- worksheets: 5
- cones: 20
- pinnies: 25
Teacher tip
Coordinate the date and number of kids with the elementary teachers ahead of time.
PatioLab has "Project: Running a Field Day for Elementary Kids" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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