Connect 4

children throwing beanbags into hoops

Put your thinking caps on! This is a fast-paced twist on the original Connect 4! Best for smaller groups of older children.

connect 4 set up image
Set up

Set out a 4x4 grid of hula hoops. Place two cones where the teams will line up, ~10 metres away. Place 4 of the same coloured cones, beanbags or markers at each cone. Divide children into 2 teams.

Note: for larger groups you can set out more hoops and have more than two teams in the one game or you can set-up multiple games of connect 4 for older children.

 

How to play
Step 1:
  • Ensure children understand the rules of Connect 4:
    • Children attempt to join 4 in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally)
  • On the educator's instruction, children will run one at a time, and place their cone/beanbag in a hoop
Step 2:
  • After they place the marker, they will race back to their line to high five the next child in line
  • The next child will then place their marker in an open hoop
Step 3:
  • Teams are working against each other, trying to achieve their own Connect 4, and sabotage the other team's efforts to Connect 4
  • If all 4 markers have been played and there is no Connect 4, the next teammate in line will run down and move one of their own team's markers into an open hula hoop
  • The educator will judge the game and declare when there is a winning team with Connect 4
  • Repeat the game but this time the children need to throw a beanbag underarm to land in a hoop to try and get their Connect 4!

Note: You may need to introduce a rule that children only have 2 seconds to decide where to place marker if children are taking too long.

Variations
Make it easier
  • For children new to Connect 4, it may be easiest to play this game without running first, and then introduce competition
Make it harder
  • Introduce different locomotor skills as each new child takes their turn, e.g skipping, hopping
  • Try playing where children have to underarm throw from a few metres away to place their beanbag in a hoop
Activity information
Age: Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
Participants: 2 +
Equipment: Hoops, Cones (optional), Markers (optional), Beanbags
Duration: 10 minutes
Skill focus
Explore these skills for teaching tips
Running Underarm Throw
Activity summary
Physical literacy tips
  • Reduce waiting time by giving children in line a task to do e.g., balance on one leg or balance the beanbag on their head or their elbow or their foot
  • For larger groups, set-up more hoops in your grid and have more than two teams. Keep your eyes peeled, this will make judging difficult!