Runaway Wheels

Each child learns to stand a hoop upright and push it so it rolls like a wheel, then runs beside it to catch it before it falls. Children practice coordinating the push of the hand with running.

How to play

1. The teacher shows the trick: hoop standing up, one hand on top like a lid, and a little push forward (2 min).
2. Push gently into an open space and walk behind your wheel (2 min).
3. The wheel's running away! Push it and run beside it to catch it before it falls (3 min).
4. Catch it different ways: one hand, two hands, or stop it and freeze like a statue (2 min).
5. Tired wheel: when it's about to stop, give it another little push to keep it rolling (2 min).
6. Park the wheels flat on the ground, side by side (1 min).

Rules

• I push my wheel toward a place with nobody there.
• I run beside my wheel, not in front of it.
• If my wheel falls, I pick it up and start again.
• Wheels never get thrown at friends.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: pushes the hoop from the wheelchair to a friend who rolls it back.
• Less skilled children: bigger, lighter hoops roll straighter and slower.
• Visual impairment: a buddy claps where the wheel is and helps them find it.

Learning goals

• Roll a hoop with a controlled push.
• Coordinate running with the path of a moving object.
• Catch a moving object.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hoops: 25

Teacher tip

Have everyone start from one line and push in the same direction so wheels don't cross. The classic mistake is flinging the hoop from above like a plate: keep repeating "hand like a lid" and a low push.

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