River Crossing: Disappearing Lily Pads

Each group crosses an imaginary river using fewer hoops than people, and any hoop left empty gets swept away by the current. It requires planning, helping each other, and adjusting strategy.

How to play

1. Groups of 6. A 10-meter river between two lines of cones. Each group gets 5 hoops and plans without touching them (3 min).
2. First crossing: the whole group must reach the far bank. If a hoop has no foot or hand on it, the teacher takes it (5 min).
3. Quick debrief and second crossing with one fewer hoop (6 min).
4. Crossing with cargo: also carry 3 balls that can't touch the water (5 min).
5. Two groups start from opposite banks in the same river and must pass each other in the middle (6 min).

Rules

• Anyone who steps in the water goes back to the start bank, and the group decides how to get them across.
• No carrying anyone on shoulders or in arms; holding hands and steadying are fine.
• Step in the center of the hoop; no jumping to far-away hoops.
• Dry floor, no sand: hoops slide if you jump on them.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: they cross through a cone lane, and the group must bring the balls to them via the hoops.
• Visual impairment: holds hands with a partner who announces each hoop.
• Balance issues: may rest a hand on someone's shoulder on every step.

Learning goals

• Plan as a group before acting.
• Adjust the strategy after a mistake.
• Help each other physically and safely.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 30
• cones: 12
• balls: 9

Teacher tip

Use flat floor spots if you have them; otherwise regular hoops on a dry court. Remove hoops decisively but don't chase the group: the challenge is keeping contact, not speed.

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