Cooperative game
Hula Hoop
Cooperative
game
Pass
Time: 5–25 min
Purpose: To practice communication, cooperation, and teamwork.
Skills: Communication, Cooperation, Coordination, Creativity, Paying attention, Problem solving
You
will
need…
5-25 players
Early elementary age players or older
One hula hoop (two hula hoops, optional), stop watch (optional)
Enough space to form a close circle with everyone holding hands
Before
You
Begin
Prepare the reflection questions you will ask players in the debrief.
Directions
Introduce the game Hula Hoop Pass. Use this time to reinforce any established
expectations that are important for players to remember during the game, especially as
players will be holding hands.
Explain that the objective of the game is for players to pass a hula hoop around the
circle but the challenge is that the players must hold hands throughout.
Tell players to form a close circle and put a
hula hoop around yourself, having it rest on
your left shoulder and across the front of
your body.
Explain to players that they must pass the
hula hoop around the circle while holding
hands.
Tell players to hold hands and that they
must remain holding hands throughout the
game. If players let go of each other’s
hands, the game starts over.
Ask players if they have any questions
about the game.
Tip: For older players, consider using two hula hoops of different sizes and passing
them in opposite directions.
Begin the game by stepping through the hula hoop and ducking your head in order to
move your body through the hula hoop and then pass it counterclockwise to the next
player.
© 2012 Peace First
www.peacefirst.org/digitalactivitycenter
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HULA HOOP PASS
DIRECTIONS CONTINUED
Tip: To add an additional challenge you can time the game and challenge the group to
beat their best time in multiple rounds.
The game ends when the hula hoop has successfully made it around the circle.
Explain to players that now they will reflect on their experience during the game.
Debrief
Debrief the game with players. Remember, cooperative games are only as effective as
your debrief. This is your opportunity to help players connect the game to personal
experiences, actions, and beliefs. You will want to reinforce any skills or beliefs you are
hoping players will carry beyond the game.
For more on facilitating debriefs, refer to the toolkit on our Digital Activity Center
(Debriefing Tip Sheet).
We’ve included some suggested questions below to get you started.
Ask:
What happened during the game?
What was your strategy during the game?
How did you depend on the players who were next to you during the game?
Is working cooperatively helpful when peacemaking?
Thank players for their participation.
© 2012 Peace First
www.peacefirst.org/digitalactivitycenter
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