Shopping List Relay

Each team memorizes a shopping list, and players take turns running to the "grocery store" in the middle to bring back the items, carrying each one in a different way. It works on moving with objects, memory, and team organization.

How to play

1. Set up the "grocery store" in the middle of the gym with assorted items: colored balls, bean bags, cones, scarves, and small rings. Each of the 5 teams of 5 has a "house," a large hoop, 40 feet (12 m) away (2 minutes).
2. Give each team a card with its list, for example: 2 red balls, 1 bean bag, 3 yellow cones, and 1 scarf. Teams get 30 seconds to memorize it, then the card goes face down in the house.
3. One player goes at a time, grabs a single item, carries it home without throwing it, and high-fives the next player, who goes for another.
4. Each item travels its own way: balls are dribbled, bean bags ride on the head, scarves are tossed and caught while walking, and cones go in one hand.
5. When the team thinks the list is complete, everyone sits inside the house and the teacher checks it. If something is missing or extra, one player goes to fix it.
6. Return the items to the store and hand out a new, longer list. Play 4 rounds of about 4 minutes.

Rules

• Only one player per team in the store at a time.
• One item per trip.
• Slow down before reaching the pile so you don't bump into other shoppers.
• Never take anything from another team's house.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair carries items on their lap, and their house is set closer to the store.
• Hearing impairment or autism: always provide the list on a card with pictures and colors, and preview each new round.
• Skill level: on mixed teams, more confident students carry the tricky items, like scarves.

Learning goals

• Carry different objects while keeping them under control on the move.
• Remember and organize a list of items as a team.
• Respect turns and shared equipment.

Equipment for a class of 25

• assorted equipment: 60
• hoops: 5
• cards: 20

Teacher tip

Make the lists before class with the same number of items for every team. Put out more equipment than needed so the store doesn't run out of any color.

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