Once the class earns four weeks of stars, they earn a game day! The game day is scheduled as it works for our PE schedule. Classes sometimes have to wait to have their game day happen - but we record when the game day actually happens, and they continue earning stars toward their next game day each class.
For grades 1-2, the reward game is Guard the Pin. Grades 3-5, the reward game is Pins and Baskets. Gym setup and many of the basic rules are the same for both: the gym is divided in half with cones. The class is divided evenly into two teams. Players may not cross the center line of the gym. The goal of the game is to knock over the other team's pins. First team to knock over the other team's pins wins that round. Each pin can have one pin guard, who must stay standing and may not touch the pin to stop it from falling or hold it up. Players may only roll or throw the ball -- no kicking or hitting the ball.
For Pins and Baskets, if a team makes a green $$money ball$$ basket on the center hoop only (without crossing the center line), they can reset all of their team's pins.
Many ask: isn't this just dodgeball?!?!? No, it isn't. We don't ever play dodgeball or games where humans are targets. Students are aiming at the pins, and pin guards are only volunteers. I explain to students that the best success I've had (and I've played this game A LOT) is with rolling the ball and knocking it against the back wall to hit the pins. :)
Most students seem to love this game, and I enjoy participating with students when I can. This game also works on overhand throwing, rolling, and space awareness. For first graders, this is one of the first games we do following "Clean Out Your Backyard" (which they LOVE!!!).
 |
| A third grade class enjoys a game of Pins and Baskets |
