The Floor is Lava

Players work together to cross the field without touching the ground.

Click here for instructional video

• Set Up

  • Set up a start line and finish line about 10 yards apart.

  • Divide students into teams of 6.

  • Each team gets 4 cones and 4 pinnies.

• Equipment

  • 4 Disc cones per team

  • 4 pinnies per team

• Objective

  For all players to cross the field without touching the floor.

• Directions

  1. The team starts in a single-file line at the start. The ground is lava, so the only things the students can stand on to get from the start to the finish line are the pinnies and cones.

  2. Before the game starts, allow each team to discuss strategy for 2 minutes.

  3. The first person can set down their objects to stand on. Everyone follows suit until the whole team crosses the finish line.

  4. If someone steps on the lava, their team starts over.

• Variations

  • This can be done with the team as a whole where they race against the clock or as separate teams.

  • Challenge: students have to pick up their objects if nobody is standing on them. If they don't pick up the object, it melted and the coach takes it away.

  • Challenge: only one person can talk once the game starts.

• Coaching Points

  • Don't give the students too many pointers on how to navigate the game; leave the planning up to the teams.

Reflection: Self-Awareness

Let's continue to work on Self-Awareness: Identifying our strengths and areas of growth.

1. What are some personal strengths you brought to this game? (may need to give a list and kids can put their thumbs up)

-Leadership, listening, positive attitude, strategic thinking,

2. What were some challenges your team faced in the game?

-sharing ideas, being creative, working together, listening, being frustrated

3. What helped your team face the challenges?

-supportive team members, coach help, deep breaths, stopping to strategize