Two-Mat River Crossing
Groups of five must cross an imaginary river using only two mats: everyone stands on one, places the other in front, and steps onto it, moving forward without touching the water. Students work on group planning, balance in a small space, and helping each other.
How to play
- Mark two riverbanks with cones about 40 feet apart and make five groups of five, each with two thin mats (2 min).
- Explain the challenge: the whole group must reach the other bank, and nobody may touch the floor between the banks (1 min).
- Give each group 2 minutes to plan without moving: who lifts the back mat, how it gets passed, and in what order they step across (2 min).
- First try: groups cross; if anyone touches the water, the whole group moves back one mat (4 min).
- Second try with a new rule: one person can't talk or has their eyes covered, and the rest of the group guides them (4 min).
- Bring the groups together to share which strategy worked best (2 min).
Rules
- Mats are lifted and placed by hand; never drag a mat with someone on it.
- Step from one mat to the next, with no jumping.
- Help teammates by holding hands so nobody falls.
- No group pushes another group or takes its mats.
Variations
Easier
Give each group three mats and let one person touch the water once.
Standard
Two mats for each group of five and a 40-foot river.
Harder
Use smaller mats or groups of six, or add a stepping stone (a hoop) halfway across where the whole group must stop.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: act as the guide from the bank giving directions, or the group crosses with an extra mat that leaves room for a wheelchair or walker.
- Students with autism or who avoid contact: may be in charge of moving the mats from one end, with less physical closeness.
- Students with more fitness: cross carrying an object, such as a ball, that can't fall into the river.
Learning goals
- Plan a strategy as a group before acting.
- Keep your balance in a small space alongside others.
- Help classmates and accept help to meet the challenge.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 10
- cones: 6
Teacher tip
Use thin, lightweight foam mats with a non-slip bottom. If a group gets stuck, don't give the answer; ask what would happen if the last person lifted the back mat.
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