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Physical Education

Cross the River

Overview

The whole group must get from one side of a space to the other using only a limited number of stepping stones.

Learning Objective
Children develop cooperation and problem-solving skills through a shared movement challenge.

Resources needed

  • Flat objects as stepping stones (paper, flat stones, leaves)
  • Marked start and finish lines

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Mark two lines about 5 metres apart — the riverbanks.
  2. 2 Place 4 stepping stones between them (fewer than there are people).
  3. 3 The whole group must cross without touching the ground.
  4. 4 If anyone touches the ground, the whole group restarts.
  5. 5 Stones can be moved but must always be in contact with a person.
  6. 6 Groups discuss and plan before moving.
  7. 7 Celebrate when the whole group crosses.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Remove one stone to increase difficulty.
  • No talking allowed — silent crossing.
  • Blindfold one member — others guide them.
More information

Teach: step, carry, hold, together, restart, plan. Groups need to communicate — encourage them to speak in any language.

More stones for younger or less confident groups. Allow one touch of the ground per person.

Are children planning before acting? Are they helping each other rather than competing to cross first?

Use flat stones, large leaves, or folded paper as stepping stones. Mark the river boundary with sticks.

Children often rush and touch the ground. Slow them down — the challenge is cooperation, not speed.

Cooperative challenges develop communication, planning, and shared responsibility. No one can succeed alone.

Activity details
Primary Medium 20 minutes 5 minutes prep Small Group Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Cooperation Problem Solving Teamwork