Running Giant Puzzle
The pieces of a giant cardboard puzzle are spread across the other side of the playground; children run to get them one at a time and fit them together at the base until the picture appears. It builds out-and-back running and teamwork to solve something together.
How to play
- The teacher shows the empty puzzle box without saying what the picture is. The 12 pieces lie face up at the far end of the playground, and the base is by the starting cones (2 min).
- Make four groups in line behind the cones. The first child in each line runs, grabs one piece, comes back and drops it at the base (3 min).
- As more pieces arrive, children who have already run try to fit them with the teacher's help, and turns pass with a high five (4 min).
- When the picture is complete, we look at it and say what it is; then the teacher spreads out the pieces of a second puzzle, and we repeat moving a new way: jumping or sideways (3 min).
- Sit around the finished puzzle, take a breath, and everyone points to the piece they brought (2 min).
Rules
- Bring just one piece each trip.
- Carry pieces with both hands, without crumpling them.
- The puzzle belongs to everyone: we fit it together.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, a six-piece puzzle with big pieces, a short course and the teacher at the base helping fit.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, a 12-piece puzzle and an out-and-back run.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, pieces are face down and hidden behind cones, and the picture is a class photo.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a shorter route or pieces brought over by a buddy, and the child is the main fitter at the base.
- Visual impairment: pieces with edges outlined in yarn and a buddy running alongside.
- Autism: the child can always be in charge of the base, receiving and placing pieces at their own pace.
Learning goals
- Keep up an out-and-back run over several trips.
- Solve a large puzzle as a group.
- Wait for a turn and pass it on to a teammate.
Equipment for a class of 25
- puzzle gigante de cartón: 2
- conos: 4
Teacher tip
A puzzle is quick to make: glue a poster onto cardboard and cut it into big, simple shapes. Put the base in the shade with room around it: that's where everyone gathers.
PatioLab has "Running Giant Puzzle" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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