Spin the Water Wheel
Lesson Plan
Description:
Spin the Water Wheel uses an inexpensive prize wheel as the focus of the game (see purchasing
information below). The Prize Wheel can be used for any topic and with a variety of educational goals and
can be adapted for various literacy levels. It is a fun, engaging way to promote healthy behaviors.
Purpose:
To promote water as the primary source of hydration during sporting events. Beverages such as soda,
Gatorade, and sweet tea will provide hydration, but also have many “empty calories,” or calories with little to
no nutrition. Sports drinks, though full of electrolytes, are likely unnecessary for most Special Olympics
events and can be expensive for athletes to purchase. The purpose is to show the benefits of water and
adequate hydration with this fun and interactive game.
Trainee/Volunteer Objectives:
Using this instruction plan, the trainee or volunteer will be able to:

Create appropriate questions for Spin the Water Wheel activity.

Locate where to purchase a Prize Wheel for their local program.

Describe and execute the activity for athletes verbally and through gestures.

Initiate conversations or opportunities to communicate insights with athletes regarding hydration or
drinking water.
Athlete Objectives:
Through participation in Spin the Water Wheel, athletes will:

Communicate answers or engage in activities on the Prize Wheel.

Communicate where they can find water during the current sporting event and at practice.

Communicate what beverages are healthy options that promote good sport performance.

Select personal goals related to water intake or hydration using the Choose to Change cards.
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Materials Needed:
 Prize Wheel

Visuals of healthy beverages (water, juice, etc).

Bottles of water to give participants (see HP Manual for ideas on donations).
Method or Activity:
Use the Prize Wheel Game templates to make the questions to insert in spaces on the wheel. There are
twelve slots to fill. The following are some ideas for Spin the Water Wheel. Questions are not limited to this
list. Be creative. Create bonus points. Have fun.

Water, Water Everywhere! Question to ask- What foods have water in them?

Picture of boats on the water- no question.

Drink Every Day. Question to ask- How much should you drink every day?

Water On The Go. Question to ask- Where do you get water during your sport practice and
competition?

Picture of swimmers in the water-no question.

H2O to Go- no Question- Title of Game

Are you thirsty? Question to ask- How do you know you are thirsty?

Why water? Question to ask- Why is water is important?

Picture- Water a plant.

Clean water. Question to ask- Do you know where you can get clean water?

Where Do I Get Water? - Question to ask- Where do I get water?

H2O to Go- no Question- Title of Game
Steps to the Game

Invite the athlete to participate in the game and spin the wheel.

When the wheel stops, ask the question or read the activity that goes with the slot. (i.e. Are You
Thirsty? Then ask the question-How do you know you are thirsty?)
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Create templates for conversations around each question before starting the game. This
helps keep the conversation focused on an education topic.
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Additional Information:
 Drinking water – or making an effort to be very well hydrated – is often more important for people
with disabilities than those without. Many people with disabilities take medications that impact
hydration.

Consider including information about washing water bottles that are reused.
Adaptations:
Mobility


Ask athlete permission to spin the wheel for them.
Provide a step for those who may be short, but able to reach.
Communication

Provide visuals (communication board or cards) for those who need visual cues or who speak a
different language.

Keep in mind the keys to effective communication, especially giving time for an answer.

Use gestures and sign language that make sense to augment the question.
Resources:
1. Spin the Wheel Game- available from www.Prizewheel.com
2. Photos and clear illustrations to match the questions. Royalty free photos available at
www.istockphoto.com for a small fee.
Activity Pictures
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