Three Things in Common Dash
In partners that change every round, students have 40 seconds to find three things they have in common; once they do, they run hand in hand to a base to complete a challenge. It is fast, active, and gets kids talking with lots of different classmates.
How to play
- Place 8 hoops as bases along the sides of the blacktop, each with a cone showing a challenge: 10 squats together, 5 jumps with a high five, 20 seconds balancing on one foot (1 min).
- Students jog freely in the center. On the signal, each one partners with the nearest classmate.
- Partners have 40 seconds to find three things in common that you cannot see: "we both wear sneakers" does not count.
- As soon as they have three, they run hand in hand to an open base, do the challenge on the cone, and sit inside the hoop.
- The teacher asks the first three pairs what they found; if it counts, the class earns a point (1 min per round).
- On the signal, everyone returns to the center and finds a new partner. Play about 8 rounds (12 min).
- To finish, each student shares one thing they have in common with someone who did not know it before (2 min).
Rules
- You cannot repeat a partner during the game.
- Things in common must be true; answer honestly.
- Run hand in hand without pulling, and do not cut in front of other pairs.
- If a base is taken, find another one without arguing.
Variations
Easier
Pairs only need two things in common, and the time goes up to one minute.
Standard
Find three things in common in 40 seconds, then do the base challenge.
Harder
Play in trios, and things in common cannot repeat topics other pairs already used (food, colors, and so on).
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility can be a fixed base that pairs travel to, or go with their partner to a closer base.
- For students with autism, provide a card with question starters (pets, food, sports, siblings) to begin the conversation.
- For fitter students, place the bases farther away and double the challenge.
Learning goals
- Discover interests and experiences shared with different classmates.
- Ask questions to get to know another person.
- Coordinate movements and challenges with a partner.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 8
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
At first, kids struggle to find "invisible" things in common: model it with one student in front of the class and praise creative matches.
PatioLab has "Three Things in Common Dash" and 3999 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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