Grade 4 Adventure Challenge Pre-Assessment Lesson Plan

Central idea before being unwrapped...

We are beginning a grade 4 Adventure Challenge unit at NIS today. As part of a pre-assessment task, the students are taking part in a couple of games before we actually unwrap the central idea for the unit. The central idea is ‘Effectively solving problems requires communication, trust, and an open mind.’

Both of the games played today require one partner wearing a blindfold and their partner giving specific directions/instructions helping them to maneuver their way around the gym. Here is a detailed description about the way each game works.

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Equipment Needed in Today's Class

Equipment needed: beanbags, hula hoops, dodge balls, and blindfolds

1. Capture the Gold: In this game, each team starts in their own home (which is a hula hoop) with one partner being blindfolded and the other partner having to give instructions/directions. Beanbags are spread out all over the gym floor. On the ‘Go’ command, the blindfolded partner, with the constant help of their partner, must maneuver their way around collecting as many bean bags as possible in the allotted time. Communication and trust are keys in this game as the blindfolded partner must have complete faith that their partner will keep them safe. The partner giving instructions must be very clear in order to help their team achieve success. The beanbags must be brought back to their hula hoop at the end of the game. The blindfolded partner then switches, the bean bags are spread out again and the game is played once more. 

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2. Blind Wars
This again involves one person being blindfolded and the other partner giving instructions/directions. Dodgeballs are spread out all over the gym. Only the blindfolded partner is allowed to throw in this game. The partner not blind folded, must give clear instructions to their partner to help them find the dodge balls, pick them up and throw them at another team. One point for a direct hit to either person on a team. A team loses a point if either person is hit. After a few minutes, an end to the game is called and the blindfolded partner switches. The game is then played again

Safety a Must!!

Before the game begins, we had an in-depth conversation about the importance of safety and trust. If any unsafe play occurs, the team must immediately sit out. In all the years I have played this game with my students, I have only seen a couple of instances of carelessness or unsafe play, but I observe closely to always be sure. 

Role of the Observer

I like to pick a student out to be observer. If somebody volunteers, great. If not, we get on with the game. The role of the observer is an important one as they are responsible for walking around and writing down examples of good things happening. They then report their findings back to the class after the game. They are allowed to use names when reporting back examples of good teamwork. However, if they see a team struggling, they can report seeing what happened, but do not give names in order not to center out students. 

Unwrapping the Central Idea

These 2 games are a great way to introduce the central idea and to help stimulate some good discussion regarding the importance of teamwork and communication in Adventure Games. We unwrapped the central idea immediately after playing the 2 games and then finished off with the students doing a pre-assessment reflective task dealing with the 2 games we played and how trust and communication were essential in order to have success. Please see pictures, video, and examples of student assessment below. 

Student Assessment