The Caravan Ride

The whole group goes on a ride in a line behind the teacher guide, each on a vehicle or with a hoop, following a route around the playground with stops at named places: the park, the fountain, the bridge. It builds riding as a group, keeping distance and using cyclist hand signals.

How to play

1. In a circle, we learn three signals: arm raised means "stop", open hand down low means "slow", and pointing means "turn" (2 min).
2. Helmets on, and line up behind the teacher; slower vehicles go in front (2 min).
3. Ride the cone-marked route; the teacher makes the signals and the caravan passes them back down the line (4 min).
4. Stop at the park: get off, stretch our legs and swap vehicles with a friend (2 min).
5. Second half of the ride with a child guide up front next to the teacher (4 min).
6. Arrive home and park in a row (1 min).

Rules

• Nobody passes the guide.
• We leave space behind the rider ahead.
• We repeat the signals so the rider behind can see.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child using a wheelchair can lead next to the teacher, setting a pace everyone follows.
• Hearing impairment: hand signals replace spoken cues, and the child rides where they can clearly see the rider ahead.
• Autism: preview the route with a drawing of the stops and let the child ride right behind the adult.

Learning goals

• Ride as a group, staying in order.
• Communicate with simple signals.
• Enjoy shared physical activity.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Tricycles: 6
• Balance bikes: 4
• Ride-on toys: 4
• Helmets: 14
• Cones: 6
• Hoops: 11

Teacher tip

Put the slow tricycles up front and the balance bikes in the back so nobody surges ahead. An adult at the end of the line keeps the last riders from falling behind.

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