Hold It Together

Skill: Hop, Jump
Time Required: 15
Activity Type: Physical, Wellness
Group Size: Large Group, Medium Group, Pair, Small Group
Age Group: 6 - 9yrs, 9 - 12yrs
Play area: Classroom (small indoor space), Gymnasium (large indoor space), Outdoor - Field
Safety Considerations: Ensure all participants are aware of others around them when moving.
The area is clear of any hazards or obstacles.
Equipment: One object for each pair (pen, piece of paper, small block...)
Objective:
Partners must not drop the object they are holding together, while doing other tasks.

Fundamental Skills - Depends on activities participants are told to do
Set up:
Have the group get into pairs and give them an object
Step by Step:
1. Tell partners to put the object between theirs and their partner's backs of the hands, or index fingers, or knees.
2. They must hold that object there and not drop it.
3. Both participants must move through the room without the object falling.
4. Tell the group to do certain activities as their moving around, such as: jump 4 times, squat down and back up, only walk sideways, walk backwards...be creative!
5. If they drop the object, they pick it back up and try again.
6. After they have been doing that for a while, change the location of the object, or change the object.
7. The better the players can coordinate and react to their moves, the bolder the tasks can become.
8. Remind participants of the importance of communication and working together in order to complete this task successfully.
Variations:
One of the participants could be blindfolded and their partner has to lead them.
Have this be an elimination activity. Once they drop the object, they are out for that round.
Adaptations (General):

Adaptations (Mobility Impairment):
Consider the difficulties with balance and dexterity which participants with a mobility limitation might have. In place of having participants perform jumping or walking backwards, consider push-ups or dips on a chair.

Adaptations (Deafness/Hearing Impairment):
Encourage participants to think carefully about how they might communicate with a partner who is deaf or hard of hearing (e.g., hand gestures, facial expressions).
Sources: Developed for the Leisure Information Network