Climbing Wall Activity of the Month: Hula Hoop Haven

 Hula Hoop Haven

Teams work cooperatively to traverse the climbing wall with arms linked through Hula Hoops.

Grade Level: 3 and up

Grouping: Small groups of 2-4 people

Materials:

  • Hula Hoops (number is dependent on number of climbers and size of wall)

Advance Set Up: None

Activity:

Divide the group into teams of 2-4 people. The first time the activity is conducted, participants should be put into pairs. Then they graduate to teams of 3 and then 4 because the larger the group, the more challenging the activity is. The activity could also be conducted with different-sized groups simultaneously. Once you have determined how to divide your group, participants may begin climbing.

Participants must problem solve to discover a way to climb across the Traverse Wall with one arm linked to a Hula Hoop that is also linked to the arm of their partner(s) and following the rules of the activity.

Hula Hoop Haven Rules

  • One arm of each climber must be attached to the Hula Hoop at all times
  • The goal is for the team to traverse across the wall without climbing down off the wall.
  • The climb begins when the first climber mounts the climbing wall.
  • The climb is complete when each member of the team reaches the opposite side of the climbing wall and steps down.
  • If the rules are broken, the team must restart the climb.

Three girls rock climbing with arms linked by hula hoops

Variations:

  • To decrease challenge, complete activity only in partner groups of two people.
  • To increase challenge, complete the activity with a larger number of climbers. Or, try it again without speaking!

Teaching Tip: Do not have a team larger than 4 people.

National Standard(s): 1,2,3,4 & 5

    Grade-Level Outcomes: 

    • Nonlocomotor (S1.E7, S1.E8, S1.E10)
    • Movement concepts (S2.E1, S2.E2)
    • Engages in physical activity (S3.E2, S3.M3, S3.M4, S3.M5)
    • Personal responsibility (S4.E1, S4.E2, S4.M1, S4.M2)
    • Working with others (S4.E4, S4.M4, S4.M5)
    • Rules & etiquette (S4.E5, S4.M5,S4.M6)
    • Safety (S4.E6, S4.M7)
    • Challenge (S5.E2, S5.M3)

     

       

         

         

         

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