Two-Person Relay Race

Activity Overview

Creating a two or more person relay race is a creative way for students to design and execute a plan and work with others on a common goal. The relay race can be as simple or as complex as the student would like. They can choose a sack race for the first half, walk on stilts, crawl, roll, dance or do whatever else they think would be a fun challenge. Relay races in their traditional format have a baton that must be passed from one person to the next halfway through the race. In our Relay Race Baton activity this week, students will have the opportunity to build and design a baton. It can be basic, it can be attached to each person like a necklace or bracelet, or any other ideas the student has.

What You Need

• Drawing materials

• Paper

• List of inspirations

Steps

1. Talk with your student about what a relay race is – a race that depends on good teamwork. One teammate runs the first half of the race with a baton in their hand. When they reach their teammate who is waiting for them, they pass the baton to them and that person finishes the race. In order to do a relay race, you have to make a group plan, share what you are thinking and feeling, and work together.

2. Take this opportunity to introduce the Relay Race Baton activity and design a baton that you will use in your race.

3. Design the race with your student. The race can be done over and over and in multiple ways, so feel free to keep changing ideas after a few rounds to keep it engaging and exciting. Use our list of ideas to inspire your race if you are having trouble getting started, and come up with your own creative ideas as well!

4. Create a starting line, a midpoint and a finish line. Decide who will start and who will be the second runner.

5. Begin your race! Have fun with it!

Guiding Questions

• Where should we have this race?

• Who will be the first runner?

• What kinds of things should each person do?

• Can we do silly races and serious races?

• Should we time our races?

Extensions

• How many different races can you have?

• Can we challenge a friend to a timed race?

• Can you draw and design your race course on paper?

• Can you invite another friend to play with you?