Secret Team Handshake Challenge

In groups of 5, students invent a secret team handshake with four moves (high fives, spins, jumps) and a cheer using their names, rehearse it, and teach it to the class. It builds team identity, trust, and rhythmic coordination from day one.

How to play

1. Form 5 teams of 5 by random draw and give each team one pinnie color (2 min).
2. Demo a sample handshake: high five up top, elbow bump, spin, and jump together with a shout (1 min).
3. Each team invents a 4-move handshake that everyone does at the same time or in a chain, plus a cheer using the first syllable of each name (6 min).
4. They rehearse with music until they can do it three times in a row without mistakes (3 min).
5. Each team shows its handshake to the class; the others clap and say which move they liked best (5 min).
6. Final game: with music on, everyone moves freely; when the teacher calls a color, that team must gather and do its handshake as fast as possible (3 min).

Rules

• Every team member suggests at least one move.
• Keep contact gentle and give yourself space to jump.
• The handshake cannot include moves that bother or hurt anyone.
• When another team performs, everyone watches quietly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility join with arm and upper-body moves, and the team adapts the handshake so everyone does it the same way.
• For students with visual impairments, teach moves by guiding their hands and calling out key words.
• For students with autism, allow no-contact moves like air claps or foot taps.

Learning goals

• Create a simple movement sequence as a team.
• Feel part of a group and recognize all its members.
• Coordinate movements with teammates to a beat.

Equipment for a class of 25

• colored pinnies: 25
• music: 1

Teacher tip

Circulate while teams create so no one is left out of decisions; teams can use the handshake to start lessons for the rest of the term.

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