Stop and Set: Jogging with the Map in Hand

Students jog holding a schoolyard map; on the whistle they stop, set the map and point to the feature the teacher names. It warms them up and makes setting the map automatic.

How to play

1. Standing explanation: a map is set when what's ahead on paper is ahead in real life; practice by turning the map, not your head (2 min).
2. Free jog with the map; on the whistle, stop, set the map and point to the hoop, water fountain or door the teacher names (3 min).
3. Partners check each other's map and then swap maps (2 min).
4. The teacher names two features at once: set the map and point to one with each arm (3 min).

Rules

• Carry the map folded, with your thumb on where you are.
• On the whistle, come to a full stop before looking at the map.
• Jog looking ahead, not at the paper.
• Nobody grabs another student's map.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with low vision: an enlarged 11x17 map with bold lines.
• Wheelchair users: same task while moving; point with the free arm or a nod.
• Hesitant students: jog next to a partner and compare maps before pointing.

Learning goals

• Set the map using landmarks.
• Connect the map to real features in the schoolyard.
• Warm up with stops and starts.

Equipment for a class of 25

• schoolyard maps: 15

Teacher tip

Print the map half-page size and laminate it; it lasts the whole year. Common mistake: turning the body but not the map; tell them the map has to face where their feet face.

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