In this set of activities, students will race around cones, roll dice, and challenge themselves with quick fitness drills. Along the way, they’ll practice good sportsmanship, cheer each other on, and switch up teams so everyone gets a chance to learn from new partners. It’s a friendly competition focused on working together, pushing limits, and showing respect for everyone on the field.
Objectives:
- To improve skill and health related fitness components.
- To develop sportsmanship, teamwork, and cooperation.
Equipment Needed:
1 Foam Dice, 1 Bucket or Basket, and 6 cones for each group of 3 students.
Safety Rules
- Tag hands gently at the finish line. No hard slaps.
- No sliding at the finish line.
- No running into or touching the wall or bleachers.
Activity #1 (Teacher Calls the Number)
Two students race, with the teacher starting the race by calling out a number (e.g., “On your mark, get set, five”). The racers must touch the cone corresponding to the called number and then sprint back to the finish line. A third student, designated as the “Dice Master,” serves as the referee by extending both arms to form the finish line. The teacher emphasizes sportsmanship and encourages students to support their teammates. After each race, the teacher rotates students into new roles. Conduct 3–6 races before moving on to Activity #2.
Activity #2 (Dice Master Rolls the Dice and Calls the Number)
Races are conducted similarly to Activity #1, but the “Dice Master” now has the role of rolling a die into a bucket and announcing the number rolled. After each race, students rotate roles and continue to support and encourage one another before each rotation.
Additional Group Rotations
Shifting students into new groups every 4–5 minutes introduces new challenges and creates opportunities to develop sportsmanship and cooperation skills with a variety of peers.
Activity #3 (Adding Additional Fitness Challenges)
Races now include a fitness challenge that participants must complete before running to touch the assigned cone. Possible fitness activities could include:
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- Squats
- Lunge Jumps
- Jump Rope
Additional Dice Master Team Fitness Challenges
To add variety to the races, try incorporating more unique races:
- Scooter races (lying on the belly using arms or sitting and using legs)
- Dribbling a basketball
- Dribbling a soccer ball
- Riding a Hop-Along Bouncer
- Riding a Roller Racer
Debrief Questions
Reflect with your team on the ways you demonstrated good sportsmanship during and after your races.
- Why is integrity essential for all team members?
- What makes maintaining integrity challenging at times?
- What skills or lessons did you gain or improve through participating in this activity?
