Rolled Newspaper Hurdles

Rolled newspaper sticks resting on cones make low hurdles that children jump while running. Because the stick is light and falls without hurting, children jump without fear and learn to combine running and jumping.

How to play

1. Lay the sticks on the ground between two cones, making three rows of hurdles a few steps apart (2 min).
2. Walk over each hurdle with a big step, like giants (2 min).
3. Raise some sticks onto the low part of the cones (about a hand high) and jump with feet together (3 min).
4. Now run and clear the hurdles without stopping, one foot and then the other (4 min).
5. If a hurdle falls, the child behind puts it back. Try crawling under a hurdle too (2 min).
6. Walk slowly down the rows collecting the sticks (1 min).

Rules

• Go when the friend in front has cleared two hurdles.
• If I knock down a hurdle, that's okay: put it back and keep going.
• Walk back along the outside of the rows, not through them.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: one row of sticks on the ground forms a slalom that the child in a wheelchair weaves through.
• Visual impairment: wrap the sticks in brightly colored tape, and a buddy calls "Hurdle!" before each one.
• Less confidence: a row with sticks only on the ground, holding the teacher's hand.

Learning goals

• Combine running and jumping.
• Adjust takeoff to the height of the obstacle.
• Face a gradually higher challenge with confidence.

Equipment for a class of 25

• rolled newspaper sticks: 12
• cones: 24
• hand drum: 1

Teacher tip

Rest the stick on top of the cones, never wedged in, so it falls at the slightest touch. Make the sticks from tightly rolled double sheets with tape at both ends.

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary