Planting Trees

SKILL FOCUS

Teamwork, eye-hand coordination, stacking

GROUP SIZE

Any amount of kids that can safely fit into your room

EQUIPMENT

30 red plastic cups, 4 cones

LOCATION

Inside or outside

SAFETY

Children need to be aware of their surroundings and other children so they do not bump into each other.

PURPOSE

Planting trees is good for the environment so kids will simulate planting a tree by stacking cups in this relay-style race.

SETUP

Set the kids up in a relay race line and give each kid a few red plastic cups.

INSTRUCTIONS

This is a fun activity to teach kids about planting trees or the environment.

On 'go' the first kid in line races with cups in hand to the other side of the room. When they get there, they will begin to plant their tree by placing a cup on the ground in a marked area of the room. Once they do this, they run back to the line and go to the end waiting for their turn again. Only one cup can be used with each trip to the planting area. The next child follows the same procedure.

Each team must try to stack cups with 5 on the bottom, 4 on the next row, then 3, 2 and 1 cup on the very top. The first team to complete wins.

If the stack falls to the ground, the team must collect all the cups and start again.

MODIFICATIONS

To make it harder, add more rows to the pile with more cups used.   For example, place 10 cups on the bottom row.

Download 30 Print and Go PE Lesson Plans for Kindergarten to 8th Grade!

Each lesson plan comes on a printable 1-page template. Including learning objectives, equipment lists, safety considerations, academic standards, modifications and review questions. 

No stress. No prep. Just print and head right to class!