Team building games are not only great for promoting social and emotional skills among students, but they can also be a fun and effective way to incorporate physical education (P.E.) into the classroom. Here are some great P.E. team building games for students with disabilities, along with modifications and adaptations to make them more inclusive and accessible.
1. Human Knot
The human knot is a classic team building game that requires students to work together to untangle themselves without letting go of each other’s hands. This game can be modified by having students use only one hand or having them link arms instead of holding hands. For students with mobility disabilities, they can participate by holding onto a long rope/scarf or using a wheelchair to navigate around the circle.
2. Blindfolded Obstacle Course
The blindfolded obstacle course is a great way to build trust and communication among students. In this game, one student is blindfolded and their partner guides them through an obstacle course using only verbal instructions. To make it more inclusive, consider using tactile cues such as hand gestures or tapping on the shoulder to guide students who are deaf or hard of hearing. For students with visual impairments, use obstacles with varying textures, shapes, and sizes to make it easier to navigate through the course.
3. Pass the Hula Hoop
Pass the Hula Hoop is a fun game that requires students to pass a hula hoop down a line without letting go of each other. For students with mobility disabilities, consider using a beach ball or a soft foam ball instead of a hula hoop. You can also modify the game by having students pass the ball overhead or between their legs. For students with visual impairments, use a larger ball that is easier to see and feel.
4. The Perfect Square
The perfect square is a problem-solving game that requires students to work together to create a square using a length of rope. To make it more inclusive, consider using a brightly colored rope or adding bells or other noise-making devices to help students who are visually impaired locate the rope. You can also use a tactile marker such as a cone or a flag to mark the corners of the square to help students with visual impairments better understand the task.
5. Wheelchair Relay Race: This game is designed to promote teamwork and cooperation among students using wheelchairs. Divide students into teams of two or more, with each team member using a wheelchair. Set up a relay race course with markers or cones, and designate a starting point and a finishing point. The objective is for each team to navigate the course, passing a baton or object between team members, using their wheelchairs. The team that completes the relay race first wins. To make it more inclusive, you can modify the course by adding ramps or obstacles that require teamwork to overcome.
6. Sensory Scavenger Hunt: This game engages students with sensory impairments and promotes collaboration within a team. Create a list of sensory items or clues related to the surrounding environment. For example, it could include finding something smooth, something that makes a sound, something with a distinct smell, etc. Divide students into small teams and provide each team with the scavenger hunt list. The teams then work together to search for and identify the items or clues using their senses. The team that successfully finds all the items or clues first, or finds the most within a given time limit, wins.
7. Pipeline: is a team building game that involves rolling a ball through a series of half tubes or pipes. The objective of the game is to successfully navigate the ball from the starting point to the endpoint using the available pipes. The challenge lies in coordinating with your teammates to strategically position and connect the pipes in the right sequence to create a continuous path for the ball to roll through. Pipeline promotes communication, problem-solving, and cooperation among team members as they work together to overcome obstacles and achieve a common goal. It is a fun and engaging activity that encourages teamwork and fosters a sense of unity.
In conclusion, P.E. team building games are a great way to promote social, emotional, and physical skills among students with disabilities. By making simple modifications and adaptations to the games, you can ensure that all students feel included and have a fun and rewarding experience.
Comment below your favorite team building games in adapted PE.
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