# data[].attributes.body
Another great game to play with large groups is telephone. A chosen student or teacher thinks of a phrase or rhyme and whispers it to the first person in line. Each person whispers the phrase they heard to the next person in line, the last person in line then says the phrase out loud. The group can compare how the phrase started to where it ended. This activity engages students with speaking and listening skills while having them practice short term memory.

Nicole Klee

# data[].attributes.body
A team building game, good for all ages is two truths and a lie. Students come up with two facts about themselves and one falsehood, and try to convince the small group or class that all are true. A fun game to play when students are just getting to know each other.

Nicole Klee

# data[].attributes.body
This game requires small groups to focus and collaborate on a task. Each group of about four to five children will need a cup, string, a large metal washer and a tennis ball. The students will need to work together to decide the best way to hold the strings and balance the tennis ball on the washer while walking toward the cup. (The teacher should determine how far the students need to walk based on age/grade level.) Once the team arrives at the cup, they’ll need to work as a group to figure out how to drop the ball into the cup without touching either object.

Lauren Engel

# data[].attributes.body
A great game for the first days in school because it helps students find important things in the class and to feel at home. Make a list of several important objects in the room like supplies, pencil sharpener, books, etc.  Students work in small groups to locate the items on the list.

Lauren Engel

# data[].attributes.body
Hands down one of my class' favorite PE games. What I love about this game is how much the students have to work together to communicate rebuild the castle and devise strategies for offense and defense.
Starla Rose

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How to play the game Castle Ball, developing target throwing and team building.

This week's game integrates the practices of dodgeballs without the human targets. Instead, teams work together to build structures out of hula hoops and attempt to make the other team's structure fall. The Game of the Week is Castle Ball!

Group Size: Large group (10 or more)

Length of Activity: 10 minutes or more

Developmental Goal: To practice working together as a team while playing both offense and defense.

Equipment: Dodgeballs, Hula Hoops, optional: Cones, Jerseys

Split the group into two teams.

Identify the play area (large enough for players to run) so that everyone understands the boundaries.

Tell players that Castle Ball is like building a "house of cards" out of four to six hula hoops or cones. The structure will stand on its own but will fall when a ball strikes any part of it.

Begin by showing the players how to build a castle. Teams can place one hula hoop on the floor and use four hula hoops to form the sides, adding another one on the top.

Allow players to practice building castles until they can do it themselves.

Demonstrate safe throws-low to the ground so that it can hit the castle and avoids other players' faces.

Set Up:

Use cones to mark clear boundaries for play-a large rectangle that is split in the middle, such as a basketball court.

How To Play:

Play begins with both teams have built one (or more depending on number of players and hula hoops) castles on their side of the play area.

Soft foam dodgeballs-approximately one ball per five players or as available-are used to attempt to knock down the other team's castle while protecting your own.

One point is awarded each time a castle is knocked down, even if a player bumps into his/her own castle.

Castles that are knocked down should be set up as quickly as possible so players can continue playing. The other team may not throw at a castle while it is being built.

The game is separated by a center line, which players cannot cross to retrieve a ball.

Players should be encouraged to pass the ball to teammates to surprise the defenders or to make sure everyone gets to throw the ball.

In defending the castle, players should be alert, on the balls of their feet, and cooperate with their teammates to form strategies that will best defend their "castles".

Once all castles are knocked down a new round is started.

Variations:

If many hula hoops are available and teams are large, have each team maintain 2-3 castles.

If a lot of space is available, you can have multiple games going on at the same time, with teams of three-on-three or four-on-four.

Add additional balls.

Alternative Name of the Game: Sandcastle

Find more new and exciting games in our games libary!
Love implementing Game of the Week? Playworks Trainers are equipped with oodles of tools and tips to help you get a recess and play program going today. Check out our professional development programs and bring Playworks to your school or afterschool program.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Game of the Week: Castle Ball | Playworks

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How to play the game Castle Ball, developing target throwing and team building. This week's game integrates the practices of dodgeballs without the human targets. Instead, teams work together to build structures out of hula hoops and attempt to make the other team's structure fall. The Game of the Week is Castle Ball!

# data[].attributes.body
Using uncooked spaghetti, string, tape, scissors and marshmallows, teams work together to build the tallest tower that does not fall over. This is an opening lesson in our districts 3rd grade math curriculum.
Starla Rose

# data[].attributes.body
This is another team building game that I have used with students that help them build a connection with one another.
How to play:
5-6 students sit in a circle and each student grabs onto another students wrist. Once everyone's wrist is being help, the students are told to untangle themselves without letting go. It can be a challenge, but it helps students work together and help each other.

Morgan Mooney

# data[].attributes.body
This game is very time consuming, but it was able to be done quicker once we thought of a strategy.

Morgan Mooney