Thumb on the Map: Reading While Jogging Warm-Up

A progressive warm-up where students learn to fold the map and keep their thumb on their position while jogging. It is the core technique for not getting lost when the pace picks up.

How to play

1. Quick demo: fold the map to hand size, orient it, and place your thumb just behind where you are (1 min).
2. Jog along a route drawn on the map around the schoolyard; at each corner, slide your thumb to your new position (3 min).
3. In pairs: every 20–30 s one asks 'Where are you?' and the other points with the thumb without stopping. Switch roles (2 min).
4. Three 30 m build-ups with the map in hand, keeping your thumb in place as you speed up (2 min).

Rules

• Glance down at the map only for an instant; the rest of the time, eyes ahead.
• No one runs backward or sideways while reading.
• If you lose your spot, step to the side and find it again.
• Maps stay folded, never flapping open.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: enlarged map with raised outlines (glue or string) and thumb tracking on the relief.
• Limited mobility: does the route in a wheelchair on paved areas, same thumb challenge.
• Low confidence with maps: starts walking next to a partner who talks through every turn.

Learning goals

• Learn to fold and hold the map using the thumb technique.
• Keep track of your position at running pace.
• Raise heart rate and body temperature gradually.

Equipment for a class of 25

• school maps: 30

Teacher tip

Black-and-white copies of the school's evacuation plan shrunk to half-letter size work fine. The typical mistake is putting the thumb on the destination instead of the current position.

More activities like this

More warm-ups for High School