Builders and Bulldozers

Learning Outcomes

Practice various locomotor skills (walking, running, hopping, skipping).
Develop spatial awareness and navigate around classmates.
Work cooperatively as a team.

Description Of Activity

Open Space: Use a large open area in your gym or playground. Scatter the cones throughout the space, with some standing upright and some knocked over.

1. Basic Builders & Bulldozers (Locomotor Skills Focus):

Divide the class into two teams: Builders and Bulldozers.
Builders try to stand up any knocked-over cones, while Bulldozers try to knock over standing cones.
Call out locomotor skills for students to use while moving around (e.g., walk, run, hop, skip).
Change locomotor skills every minute or two.
After a set time (3-5 minutes), stop the game and count the standing cones. The team with the most standing cones wins!

2. Builders & Bulldozers with Beanbags (Adding a Challenge):

Give each student a beanbag.
Builders must pick up a beanbag and place it on top of a knocked-over cone to "rebuild" it. Bulldozers try to knock over cones with beanbags on top.
Emphasize careful movement to avoid throwing or kicking the beanbags.
 

3. Builders & Bulldozers with Hoops & Pool Noodles (Adding Obstacles):

Place the hoops scattered around the playing area.
Cut pool noodles in half for the Bulldozers to use as "bulldozer arms." (Optional)
Builders use the same beanbag method as variation 2.
Bulldozers can only knock over cones with their "arms" or body, not by running into them.
Students must crawl under or jump over the hoops while moving around the space.
 

Differentiation:

For younger students, focus on just walking or skipping as locomotor skills.
For advanced students, add challenges like balancing a beanbag on their head while walking.

Safety Tips:
Ensure cones are lightweight and easy to knock over.
Remind students to move safely and avoid collisions.
Modify the activity based on the age and ability of your students.

Wrap-Up:
After playtime, gather students together and discuss the importance of teamwork and following directions.

Equipment/Material Required

Cones (15-20)
Beanbags (1 per student, optional)
Hoops (4-6, optional)
Pool noodles (cut in half, optional)