Whole Class vs. the Clock Obstacle Course
The whole class must get through an obstacle course as fast as possible: the clock runs from when the first student starts until the last one finishes. Between attempts, the group plans how to improve. Students build agility, planning skills and whole-group cooperation.
How to play
- Set up a 6-obstacle course: cone zigzag, low hurdles, walking along a gym bench, forward or log roll on a mat, a hoop held by two classmates and a jump over a long rope swung low by two students.
- Explain the key rule (3 min): time counts until the last student crosses the finish, and only one person may be on an obstacle at a time.
- Attempt one (4 min): students go in any order; the teacher times it and writes it up big.
- Class meeting (3 min): the group decides the start order, who holds the hoop and rope, and how to help the slowest teammates.
- Attempts two and three, with a meeting in between (12 min), rotating who holds the hoop and rope.
- Wrap-up (3 min): compare the three times and discuss which decision helped most.
Rules
- One person per obstacle; wait until it is clear.
- On the mat, log roll if you haven't mastered the forward roll.
- The long rope is swung low, never turned overhead.
- No pushing to go faster: organization wins.
Variations
Easier
Remove the rope and allow two people per obstacle.
Standard
Six obstacles and three attempts with planning meetings.
Harder
Add a section the class must complete in pairs holding hands.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a parallel wheelchair route that also counts toward the time, or the role of strategy captain.
- Autism or shyness: offer a fixed job holding the hoop or rope if preferred.
- Lower fitness: may go around one obstacle by a longer side path.
Learning goals
- Get over a variety of obstacles with agility and safety.
- Plan as a group to improve a result.
- Value each classmate's contribution to the shared goal.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 2
- gym bench: 1
- hoop: 1
- low hurdles: 4
- cones: 8
- long rope: 1
- stopwatch: 1
Teacher tip
Post the times where everyone can see progress. If the group gets stuck, offer questions rather than answers: where is the traffic jam forming?
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