Pass the hoop: a 15-minute cooperative warm-up for 4th grade

1. Students form a circle and join hands. Hang a hoop over one pair's joined hands.
2. Without letting go, students move the hoop around the circle by stepping through it and ducking under it.
3. Time the first full lap. Ask: "What could we do to be faster and still safe?"
4. Try again using the group's ideas, such as talking, helping a neighbor or bending knees.
5. Add a second hoop going the other way. When the hoops meet, the two students in the middle find a way to pass one through the other.
6. Close by asking which words helped the group most.

Safety: step through slowly; let go and re-join hands if anyone feels off balance; no pulling on arms. Every session: warm up first, clear the space, keep water nearby, and stop if anything hurts or a student feels dizzy or unwell.

Differentiation: students who need support can hold a scarf between them instead of hands, which gives more room. A student who uses a wheelchair can pass the hoop over head and arms with help from neighbors. Students who are ready can try a round without talking. English learners can practice step, duck and lift.

Quick check: ask students to name one thing they changed to beat their first time.

For a full year of free grade 4 PE sessions, see Move Every Day from UpOnly Learning.

What is your favorite cooperative warm-up for upper elementary? Share how you run it and how you keep every student included.