Secret Rubbings: Crayon Control Cards
In pairs, students follow a simple map to 8 controls taped to posts and walls. Each control is a piece of cardstock with a raised shape; rubbing a crayon over the control card makes the shape appear and proves they were there. It builds map-based orienteering and independence.
How to play
- Before class, glue a different cut-out shape (star, moon, heart…) onto 8 pieces of cardstock and tape them at chest height at spots circled and numbered on the map.
- Give each pair a map, a crayon and a control card: a sheet of paper with 8 numbered boxes.
- Practice together at a sample control: hold the box over the shape and rub gently with the crayon on its side until it shows up.
- Pairs start 30 seconds apart and visit the controls in any order, rubbing each shape into the box with the matching number.
- They have 10 minutes. Back at base, they compare their card with the teacher's answer key: each shape in the right box scores a point.
- If time allows, play a second round in required order from 1 to 8 with a new card.
Rules
- Partners stay together, one holding the map and the other the crayon, switching at each control.
- Never peel off or move the controls.
- Wait your turn if another pair is making a rubbing.
Variations
Easier
Four nearby controls and a map with drawings of the playground features.
Standard
Eight controls in any order, checked with the answer key.
Harder
Required order, plus a few decoy controls not shown on the map that should not be rubbed.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: controls on their route are at a height reachable from a wheelchair and on flat ground.
- Visual impairment: the raised shapes can also be recognized by touch, and the partner reads the map aloud.
- Fitness level: students who want more challenge do the required-order round; those who need a break do the free-order round.
Learning goals
- Use a simple map to locate points on the playground.
- Record each control visit independently.
- Plan the route with a partner.
Equipment for a class of 25
- maps: 13
- cardstock: 8
- sheets of paper: 26
- crayons: 13
Teacher tip
Use thick cardstock for the shapes so they show clearly, and peel the paper off the crayons so they can be rubbed on their side. It is a great lead-in to real orienteering punches.
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