Rock-Paper-Scissors Cheer Chain
Full-body rock-paper-scissors duels where the loser becomes the winner's cheerleader and follows them chanting their name, until the whole class is cheering for the final. Students practice accepting results, supporting others, and coordination.
How to play
- Teach the three body positions: rock, crouched in a ball; paper, standing in a star with arms and legs spread; scissors, one leg forward and one back with arms crossed (2 min).
- Everyone walks or jogs around the space. When two students meet, they high-five and count together "Rock, paper… scissors!", jumping and landing in a position.
- The loser lines up behind the winner with hands on their shoulders and becomes their cheerleader, chanting their name.
- The winner looks for another winner for a new duel. The loser brings their whole line of cheerleaders along, and it joins the winner's line.
- In the end two players are left, each with half the class cheering. After the final, the winner thanks the opponent with a high five and everyone applauds (each round takes about 2 min).
- Play 5 rounds, changing the way students travel between duels: jogging, two-foot hops, or sliding (10 min).
Rules
- Accept the result of every duel without arguing; if unsure, replay it.
- Cheerleaders only use encouraging words and never tease the other player.
- Lines move slowly and stay connected so nobody trips.
- Greet your opponent before and after every duel.
Variations
Easier
Play with hand positions and walk between duels.
Standard
Full-body positions and jogging between duels.
Harder
Best two out of three, and the loser does a fitness challenge (5 squats) before joining the line.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: use arm-only positions and have the lines come to the student using a wheelchair.
- Shyness: cheering in a line is a safe way to join in; allow clapping instead of shouting.
- Hearing impairment: also count with three visible hand pumps before the jump.
Learning goals
- Accept winning and losing with good sportsmanship.
- Cheer for and support classmates, whatever group they are in.
- Coordinate a jump with quickly taking a position.
Teacher tip
This is a great fit for a Peace Day lesson because nobody is ever out: losing makes you part of someone else's team. Afterward, ask how it felt to be cheered for and to cheer for someone else.
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