Materials
sidewalk chalkfour 3' plastic hoopsbeanbags (optional)
Instructions
1. Draw a number line on the sidewalk or blacktop. Print the numerals 0 to 10 along the line, 2' to 3' apart.
2. Place the plastic hoops at the end of the number line.
3. Have the class form a single-file line at the beginning of the number line. Draw their attention to the zero as the start line.
4. Invite the children to move down the number line by jumping as they count from zero to ten.
5. When a child reaches the numeral 10, he steps inside a plastic hoop, lifts it to his waist level, and holds onto it as he runs back to the start line.
6. When the child returns to the start line he puts the hoop on the ground and gets back in line.
7. Direct one or two "helpers" to be in charge of returning the hoops to the end of the number line after the runners set them down.
8. Continue this activity several times, calling out a different form of movement each time such as skip, hop, crab walk, dance, run, gallop, and so on.
9. Extend the number line to 20 for older children.
10. For an added challenge, see if the children can balance a beanbag on their heads as they walk down the line.
