TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to change direction in response to a signal.
IMPORTANCE
Changing direction when given instruction is important because it improves your ability to react quickly in a game.
VOCABULARY
Signal: a movement or sound that is used to tell information or instructions.
When changing direction when given instruction, it is important to:
1. Keep your eyes and ears open for the signal.
2. Change direction as quickly as possible when you hear or see the signal.
PRACTICE
- Line up on the baseline shoulder-to-shoulder. When I say, “GO!” start walking forward. When I call out a direction, quickly respond to the signal and change the direction you are moving in.
- Repeat Practice 1, but go at a faster speed (jogging).
POTATO LAUNCH
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
6-20 students per game
EQUIPMENT
10 short cones
1 small playground ball
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Potato Launch. In this game, your goal is to change direction in response to a signal to get as few letters (P-O-T-A-T-O) as possible.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will start with the ball in the center zone.
- Before the game begins, you will circle up around the center zone.
- I will throw the ball up and call out a name.
- If your name is called, catch the ball after one bounce or less and yell, “Potato!”
- If your name is not called, run as far away as possible.
- When “Potato!” has been called you must freeze.
- The catcher can take up to five steps (not jumps) towards the closest student and try to hit him/her below the shoulders.
- If the student catches the throw or the ball bounces first, the thrower receives a letter and starts with the ball in the center zone the next round.
- If a student is hit, he/she receives a letter and starts with the ball in the center zone next round.
Game 1: Play as indicated above. If a name has been called already, it cannot be called again until all students have had a chance to throw.
Game 2: Teacher calls out a different direction (forward, backward, sideways) to run before throwing up the ball.
Game 3: Give each student a number and call out numbers instead of names.
Exit Ticket: Students change directions in response to the teachers signals to line up to go back to class.
TEACHING TIPS
- Safety:
- Remind defending students to use the ready position when the ball is being thrown at them.
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher. -
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- What was most challenging about today's activity?
- How could you support a classmate who was having a difficult time moving at different speeds?
MR. WOLF
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
5-20 students per game
EQUIPMENT
None
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Mr. Wolf. In this game, you are a group of very polite students that do not know what the time is. Your goal is to ask Mr. Wolf what time it is but you must change direction in response to "It's dinner time!" so that you avoid being eaten.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Before the game begins, you will line up on the baseline shoulder-to-shoulder.
- Mr. Wolf will stand at the opposite end of the field with his/her back turned.
- As a class you will shout out, “What time is it Mr. Wolf?”
- Mr. Wolf will respond with the time (ex: “It’s 3 o’clock or it’s 7 o’clock”) or “It’s dinner time!”
- If Mr. Wolf responds with the time, you must take that many steps towards Mr. Wolf.
- If Mr. Wolf responds with, “It’s dinner time!” you must turn and run back to the end line without getting tagged.
Game 1: Have students walk towards Mr. Wolf.
Game 2: Have students run towards Mr. Wolf.
Game 3: Have a student be Mr. Wolf.
Exit Ticket: Students change directions in response to the teachers signals to line up to go back to class.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Remind students to be honest and only gallop as many times as Mr. Wolf says.
- Consider allowing the students to make it back to the end line without being tagged for the first few rounds.
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher. -
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- What was most challenging about today's activity?
- How could you support a classmate who was having a difficult time moving at different speeds?
RATATAT!
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
6-20 students per game
EQUIPMENT
4 dots per course (2 red, 2 yellow, 2 blue, 2 green)
2 tall cones per course
Optional: 2 batons per course
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Ratatat! In this game, you are racing around the course. Your goal is to change direction in response to "Ratatat!" and catch the other teammate before they catch you.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide the class into two teams. Each team will line up behind a tall cone.
- When I say, “GO!” the first person in each team will run around the course (stepping on each dot).
- If you hear me call out, “Ratatat!” you must switch directions (run the opposite way).
- Once you have made it back to your team, high-five the next person in line. Do so quickly, so that he/she may begin running before your opponent catches up.
- If you catch up to the other team, tag them with a two-finger tag.
- We will begin a new round when someone is tagged.
Game 1: Let students run a few laps before incorporating a “Ratatat!”.
Game 2: Call out, “Ratatat!” a few times in each round.
Variation: Consider giving groups a baton to pass off.
Variation: To increase participation, create more courses and teams (depending on class size and classroom management).
Exit Ticket: Students change directions in response to the teachers signals to line up to go back to class.
TEACHING TIPS
- Safety:
- Students should be mindful of tagging properly and not running into each other when high-fiving.
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher. -
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- What was most challenging about today's activity?
- How could you support a classmate who was having a difficult time moving at different speeds?