Ringo Circle Toss: One, Two, Three Rings

In circles of six, students pass ringo rings in a fixed order, then gradually add a second and a third ring that travel at the same time. It works on one-hand throwing and catching, split attention, and remembering a pattern.

How to play

1. Form circles of six students standing about 10 ft apart. Each circle gets three ringo rings of different colors.
2. Pattern round (3 min): with one ring, each student throws to someone who is not next to them and says that person's name. Everyone must remember who they throw to and who they receive from.
3. Repeat the same pattern 4 times in a row without saying names, always in the same order.
4. Second ring (4 min): when the first ring is halfway through the pattern, the starter sends the second ring along the same path. Count full laps with no drops.
5. Third ring (4 min): add the last ring. If one drops, whoever lost it picks it up and throws it to the next person without stopping the game.
6. Wrap-up (1 min): each circle shares its record of laps with three rings and the trick it used to keep the order.

Rules

• Throw at chest height with a flat spin, never on edge.
• Look at the receiver before you throw to let them know.
• Throw only when the receiver has a free hand.
• Nobody leaves their spot except to pick up a dropped ring.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: shorten the distance to that student and always throw to the hand they prefer.
• Autism: post the order in writing or with photos on the floor next to each student.
• Advanced students: catch with the non-dominant hand and throw with the dominant one.

Learning goals

• Throw and catch a ringo ring with one hand accurately.
• Keep track of several moving objects at the same time.
• Work together to keep a shared pattern going without mistakes.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Ringo rings: 15

Teacher tip

The tricky moment is adding the second ring; count out loud yourself to mark when it goes. If a circle gets stuck, have them drop back to two rings before frustration sets in.

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