Warm-Up with the Rubric Criteria in Plain Sight

A warm-up before a practical assessment session organized into four mini-stations, each with a poster showing one rubric criterion for the day and an activation drill that prepares for it. After each station, students show their perceived level from 1 to 4 with their fingers, so they reach the test knowing what will be asked and how they feel.

How to play

1. Explain that the station posters show the criteria for today's test and how to signal your level with your fingers (1 min).
2. Easy jog with joint mobility around the stations while reading the posters (2 min).
3. Rotate through four 90-second mini-stations, for example: crossover dribble, passing against the wall, defensive slides and a jump with a soft landing (6 min).
4. When leaving each station, each student shows their level to a partner with their fingers; at the end, the teacher asks for a show of hands on which criterion looks hardest (1 min).

Rules

• Intensity builds gradually: the first stations are easy.
• At the jumping station, land with bent knees and feet apart.
• Rotate clockwise so nobody crosses paths.
• The level you show is just a guide and does not count toward the grade.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: criteria are read aloud at each station and equipment is high-contrast.
• Limited mobility: every station includes a seated version of the drill.
• Autism: gets a card with the station order beforehand.

Learning goals

• Prepare the body specifically for the practical test.
• Know the assessment criteria before being assessed.
• Anticipate personal difficulties in order to manage them during the test.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 8
• worksheets: 4
• balls: 8

Teacher tip

The final show of hands lets you decide whether to repeat an explanation before the test. Reuse the posters for the self-assessment at the end of the session.

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