The Field Trip Bus

In groups of four, a driver holds a hoop as the steering wheel and the passengers follow in a line; at each stop they get off, do an activity and switch drivers. Children practice finding their way in space, following a classmate and taking turns.

How to play

1. Make buses of four: the driver in front with the hoop as the wheel, passengers behind with hands on shoulders (1 min).
2. The bus drives slowly around the playground; passengers follow the driver without letting go (2 min).
3. Bus stops: at each cone the bus stops, the passengers get off, stretch as if arriving in the country, and get back on (3 min).
4. At every stop the driver changes: the first passenger takes the wheel and the driver goes to the back (3 min).
5. Low bridge! When the teacher calls it, the whole bus crouches down to pass under (2 min).
6. Back to the bus garage: buses park together and leave the wheel in its place (1 min).

Rules

• Passengers follow the driver without pushing.
• We switch drivers at every stop so everyone drives.
• The bus walks; it doesn't run.
• At stops, I wait for the person in front to get off.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: their wheelchair is part of the bus, in front or at the back, and the passengers match the pace.
• Visual impairment: rides as a passenger with hands on shoulders while a friend calls out stops; when driving, the teacher walks beside them.
• Autism: let them choose to drive or always ride as a passenger, and preview the stops.

Learning goals

• Move as a group following a leader.
• Find their way through space to reach the stops.
• Take turns as the driver.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hoops: 7
• Cones: 6

Teacher tip

Set out only a few well-spaced stop cones so buses don't get jammed. The usual mistake is a driver who runs and the bus breaks apart: drivers look back before pulling out.

More main activities for Elementary