The Scarf Baton Visits Everyone

Each group has a scarf that works as the baton: one child runs with it to the cone, comes back and places it in the next child's hand. It is a cooperative relay that works on running, handing off the baton and waiting your turn, with the goal that the scarf visits everyone.

How to play

1. The teacher makes four small groups in lines, shows the scarf baton and explains that it has to "visit" every child in the group (2 min).
2. We practice the handoff standing still: the runner puts the scarf in the next child's open hand and says their name (2 min).
3. Relay: we run to the cone, go around it and come back to hand off the scarf; the runner sits at the end of the line (4 min).
4. Second round moving a new way: galloping, two-foot jumps or jogging slowly backward (3 min).
5. When the scarf has visited everyone, the group waves it high and we cheer for the other groups (1 min).

Rules

• The scarf goes hand to hand, never thrown.
• I start when the scarf is in my hand.
• While I wait, I cheer for my friend.
• It doesn't matter which group finishes first.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a shorter distance for a wheelchair or walker and the scarf tied to the wrist.
• Hearing impairment: the next child in line raises an open hand to show they are ready.
• Autism: give the child a fixed spot in line and say "You go after Lucy".

Learning goals

• Run there and back around a cone.
• Pass and receive the baton by hand.
• Wait for a turn and cheer on classmates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Scarves: 4
• Cones: 4

Teacher tip

Keep groups to four or five at most so waiting is short. If a group finishes early, they do one more round instead of watching, so nobody wins or loses.

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