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Ribbon Through the Hoop

In pairs, one child holds a hoop upright like a window and the other sends their ribbon through it with waves, circles or a straight line, trying not to touch the edge. It builds precise movement, controlling movement size and helping a partner.

Illustration of the PE activity Ribbon Through the Hoop
PhaseMain activitie
Duration12 min
Ages3–6
SpaceOutdoor yard
EquipmentRibbon wands, hoops
IntensityLow

How to play

  1. The teacher holds a hoop and shows how the ribbon goes in one side and out the other with a long wave, without touching the hoop (2 min).
  2. In pairs: one holds the hoop still at chest height and the other walks the ribbon through it (3 min).
  3. Switch roles (2 min).
  4. Harder: the hoop drops to knee height or goes above the head, and the ribbon must go through with a wave or a circle (3 min).
  5. Final challenge: the pair counts how many times in a row they do it without touching and celebrates (2 min).

Rules

Variations

Easier

For 3-year-olds, the teacher holds the hoop or hangs it on wall bars, and the child walks through it with the ribbon trailing behind.

Standard

For 4-year-olds, play in pairs with the hoop at three heights.

Harder

For 5-year-olds, the ribbon goes in with a wave and out with a circle, or through two hoops in a row.

Adaptations

Learning goals

Equipment for a class of 25

Teacher tip

Teach hoop holders to grip with both hands on the sides and keep their body out of the middle. Slower works better: celebrate slow, clean passes.

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