Warm-Up Judges Panel
One group leads its warm-up for part of the class while another group serves as a judges panel using a simple peer-assessment form. Then everyone switches roles, so students learn what makes a good warm-up by doing it and by watching it.
How to play
- Ahead of time, set up four groups of six that come to class with a 4-minute warm-up planned; give each group a peer-assessment form with four criteria: gradual build-up, all body areas covered, clear instructions, and time on task.
- Split the space into two areas with cones; each area has one group leading, one group participating, and half of the judges group off to the side.
- The leading group runs its warm-up for 4 minutes with the participating group; the judges watch and rate each criterion from 1 to 3.
- The judges get 1 minute to give their verdict: one strength and one specific improvement.
- Rotate roles: leaders become participants, participants become judges, and judges lead; run two more rounds of 2 minutes each.
- To wrap up, each group reads out the improvement it received and explains how it would apply it.
Rules
- Judges only rate what they see, with no comments about individuals.
- Every verdict starts with a strength before the improvement.
- Participants give full effort so the judges have something real to watch.
- Safety: the warm-up must start easy and can't include all-out efforts.
Variations
Easier
A two-criteria form and a 3-minute warm-up.
Standard
A four-criteria form and a 4-minute warm-up.
Harder
Judges add an overall score and back it up with one specific example they saw.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can be a permanent judge, and their group includes adapted versions in its warm-up.
- Shyness: a spokesperson chosen by the judges group reads the verdict.
- Fitness level: the leading group always offers two levels for the hardest moves.
Learning goals
- Apply quality criteria to evaluate a warm-up.
- Lead a structured warm-up in front of a group and a panel.
- Give and receive feedback constructively.
Equipment for a class of 25
- peer-assessment forms: 8
- pens: 8
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Give groups a heads-up the class before so they arrive with their warm-up planned. Model a verdict yourself the first time so students hear the right tone.
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