Puzzle Relays

Grade Levels: 3 - 6

Objectives

• Students will perform vigorous activities while practicing basic skills in health, geography, spelling, and math.

Materials

• Puzzle sets equal to the number of relay teams participating
• 1 hula hoop for each team
• Jump ropes, balls, etc. depending on the physical activity

Procedures

1. Divide students into groups of five.
2. Have them stand in a relay line behind a poly-spot at one end of the playing area.
3. At the other end, place the puzzle pieces for each team in a hula hoop; each team should have a different puzzle but with an equal number of pieces.
4. On the "go" signal, the first student runs to get one puzzle piece, comes back to the group, puts the puzzle piece in the hoop, performs the designated activity, and touches the hand of the next person. This rotation continues until all puzzle pieces are brought back.
5. When the last puzzle piece is back, the group begins to put the pieces together. After the puzzle is together, the group sits until all other groups are finished.
6. After all puzzles are put together, the pieces are returned to the other end and placed in the hula hoop.
7. Each team then moves one station to the right.
8. This rotation continues until each group has solved each puzzle.
9. At the conclusion of the activity, ask students to discuss the specifics of each puzzle.

   Example:
   Physical Activity – After running down and bringing back a puzzle piece, jump rope 20 times; bounce a basketball 20 times; do a "self-set" with a volleyball ten times; "figure 8" dribble with a soccer ball.

   Puzzle Concepts – Names of countries, spelling words, fitness concepts, math facts.

   SPAIN FLEXIBILITY 24 x 15 = 360

   Puzzle Relay Samples – When making puzzles for class use, each should be done on large poster board and laminated.

   HEALTH CONCEPTS:
   REDUCE STRESS, CARDIOVASCULAR, DURATION,
   RESTING HEART RATE, MUSCULAR STRENGTH, ENDURANCE,
   BODY COMPOSITION, LEAN MASS, FAT MASS,
   TARGET HEART RATE, MAXIMUM HEART RATE, OXYGEN

   OTHER CONCEPTS:
   COUNTRIES, STATES, CAPITALS,
   MAJOR CITIES, CURRENT EVENTS, PRESIDENTS,
   HISTORY FACTS, MATH FACTS, ART

   MAKING PUZZLES:
   Cut puzzles in various shapes making it a challenge (not too difficult) for students to assemble them.

   For example:
   REDUCE STRESS becomes
   RE | DUCE | STR | ESS

Excerpted from P.E. Teacher's Complete Fitness & Skills Development Activities Program.