Bear Hunt Obstacle Course

Learning Outcomes

This game will combine reading with balance and coordination skills to allow students to navigate a simple obstacle course.

Learners will be able to demonstrate age appropriate physical skills including balance, following directions, and coordination.

 

Description Of Activity

Opening to Lesson

Begin by asking students if they have ever gone on a bear hunt. Share the story Bear Hunt (several versions by several authors are available – any can be used). Tell students that they are going to go on a bear hunt in the gym/classroom/playground.

Body of Lesson

• Set up an obstacle course based on the version of the book chosen. Have students walk through cones in a pattern to ‘go through the grass’, walk across a balance beam ‘over water’, jump across a jump rope ‘jump the puddles’, scooters to slide ‘down the mountain’, and crawl through mats to ‘go into the cave’ to find the bear, then run back through the course to a ‘safe’ zone to hide from the bear.
• The course can be adjusted to match the book you are using.
• Make sure you model the course for younger children or let a volunteer show students how to ‘run’ the course as you read.

Closing

Ask students which part of the course was the hardest? The most fun? Also assess which skills were the most difficult for the students to allow for further practice of that skill.

Equipment/Material Required

• gym mats
• balance bar
• jump rope
• cones
• scooter boards
• stuffed bear (can vary based on availability and age level)