The Floor Is Lava
The floor turns into lava, and students may only step on safe stones: hoops, poly spots, mats and benches spread around the gym. They practice jumps of different distances, balanced landings and choosing a route.
How to play
- Spread 15 hoops, 20 poly spots, 4 mats and 2 benches across half of the gym, 16 to 36 inches apart, forming several paths between two shores.
- Round one, free play (4 min): everyone crosses from shore to shore stepping only on stones; if you touch lava, go back to the last stone.
- Round two (4 min): each type of stone calls for a jump: two-foot jumps into hoops, hops on one foot onto spots and balance walks on benches.
- Round three in pairs (4 min): holding hands, partners must cross without letting go and land on the same stone or neighboring stones.
- Round four (4 min): the lava is rising; the teacher removes one stone every 30 seconds and the class must find new routes so nobody gets stranded.
- Wrap-up (2 min): ask which route was fastest, which was safest and why.
Rules
- Always land with both knees bent, never with locked legs.
- Only one person per stone, except on mats and benches.
- No pushing to take a spot; if a stone is taken, wait or find another one.
- Step onto spots and stop; never slide on them while running.
Variations
Easier
Place the stones closer together and allow one lava touch per crossing.
Standard
Stones 16 to 36 inches apart with a different jump for each type of stone.
Harder
Cross while holding a ball, or remove stones faster.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a separate path with larger hoops placed close together, done by rolling or walking with support, that counts the same for the class.
- Visual impairment: a buddy goes first calling short jump or long jump, and stones are in high-contrast colors.
- Fitness level: each student picks a path with short or long jumps based on confidence.
Learning goals
- Adjust jumping force to the distance of each stone.
- Land with balance and soft knees on small surfaces.
- Choose routes and make quick decisions based on the open space.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 15
- mats: 4
- poly spots: 20
- gym benches: 2
Teacher tip
Put poly spots only on non-slip floors and never right at the end of a bench. If everyone crowds one route, open a third shore.
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