Moving Mountains Ball Delivery Challenge
Grade 3 · Gym/PE · 35 minutes · Indoor
Objective
Develop teamwork, balance, and coordination through collaborative ball transport activities
Equipment
- foam balls
- cones
- mats
Setup
Place mats scattered around the gym as 'mountain bases' and set up cone markers to create delivery zones. Divide class into teams of 4-5 students each.
How to Play
- Each team starts at a mountain base (mat) with one foam ball.
- Teams must transport their ball to different mountain bases around the gym without using their hands.
- All team members must stay connected by holding hands or shoulders while moving.
- If the ball is dropped or hands disconnect, the team returns to their last mountain base to restart.
- Teams earn points by successfully delivering balls to new mountain bases.
- After each successful delivery, teams collect a new ball from the center supply.
- Game continues for set rounds with teams trying to make as many deliveries as possible.
- All teams celebrate their total deliveries at the end.
Variations
- Use different body parts to move the ball (elbows, knees, feet only)
- Add obstacles between mountain bases using cones
- Require teams to move in specific formations like trains or circles
Safety Notes
Remind students to move slowly and communicate when connected to avoid falls. Keep pathways clear of obstacles.
Cool Down
Have students sit in circles at their mountain bases and practice slow, deep breathing while gently stretching their arms and shoulders.
Differentiation
Support: Allow struggling students to be the 'ball guide' who helps direct the ball without being connected to the moving chain, or use larger, easier-to-control balls
Extension: Challenge advanced students to be team leaders who must guide their group through more complex routes or carry multiple balls simultaneously
