Welcome Buddy Tour Challenge
A returning student acts as a buddy for a new classmate, and together they tour stations around the PE area, solving a challenge and learning a routine at each one (where equipment goes, where to get water). It welcomes newcomers and teaches the space.
How to play
- Set up 6 stations at key spots (equipment room, water fountain, locker room, gathering spot, first-aid kit, emergency exit), each with a cone and a challenge card (prep ahead of time).
- Make pairs that match each new student with a buddy; if there are no new students, mix kids who do not usually play together. Give each pair a simple map (2 min).
- Each pair starts at a different station. They read the card: first a question about the place ("What equipment is kept here?"), then a movement challenge (2 min).
- The challenge is done together: for example, 10 tosses without dropping the ball, hopping hand in hand to a cone, or a 10-second partner balance.
- When finished, they mark the station on the map and walk to the next one. Each station takes about 3 minutes (18 min).
- Back at the gathering spot, each buddy introduces their partner to the class and the new student explains one routine they learned (3 min).
Rules
- Pairs walk between stations and never leave the marked area.
- Buddies explain and help, but do not do the challenges for their partner.
- If you get lost, go back to the gathering spot and wait for the teacher.
Variations
Easier
Use only 4 nearby stations, all in the teacher's sight, with one-step challenges.
Standard
Use six stations with a question, a movement challenge, and the final introductions.
Harder
Give clues instead of a map, and the buddy must also teach the newcomer one class signal.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility follow an accessible route marked on their map, and every challenge has a seated version.
- For students with autism or anxious newcomers, preview the map with photos of each place and choose a trusted buddy.
- For fitter students, jog between stations and add an optional second challenge.
Learning goals
- Learn the PE facilities and basic class routines.
- Welcome and include classmates who are new to the group.
- Work as partners to complete simple movement challenges.
Equipment for a class of 25
- challenge cards: 6
- cones: 6
- maps: 13
Teacher tip
Walk the route beforehand so every station is safe and visible; at a large school, place a student helper or another adult at the farthest point.
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