Olympic Relay Races
Olympic-style relay races build physical skills, teamwork, and the spirit of friendly competition.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Olympics
- Learning area: Physical Development and Motor Skills
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Engage in active play using gross motor skills
- Coordinate movement to perform tasks
- Follow simple safety rules while participating
- Exhibit increased endurance and develop gross motor skills
Materials
- Plastic straws
- Balloons
- Feathers
- Plastic Easter eggs
- Plastic spoons
- Open safe space
- First aid kit
Instructions
Safety is paramount for this active session. Before beginning, check your outdoor or indoor space for hazards, ensure children are dressed appropriately for movement, have water available, and keep a first aid kit nearby. Set clear boundaries for the racing area.
Gather children and build excitement: 'At the Olympics, athletes compete in relay races—they run, then pass a baton to a teammate who keeps running! Today, we're having our own Olympic Relay Games! But our races are going to be extra fun because we're using silly props!'
Introduce each race type with demonstration and practise before competition:
Straw Race: Show how to bend a flexible straw and hold it between nose and upper lip. 'Can you make a straw moustache? Now try to walk to the finish line without dropping your straw!' Practise before racing.
Hug the Balloon Relay: Pair children and demonstrate: 'Put the balloon between your tummies and give a gentle hug! Now try to sidestep together to the finish without dropping or popping!' Practise the sideways shuffle.
Birdie Feather Race: Show how to tuck a feather between toes. 'This takes careful balance! Walk slowly to the finish without losing your feather!' Practise walking with the feather.
Backwards Race: Demonstrate safe backward walking with arms out for balance. 'Look over your shoulder! Walk backward to the finish line!' Ensure the path is clear.
Egg-a-thon Race: Practise balancing a plastic egg on a spoon while walking slowly and steadily to the finish line. This requires concentration and careful movement.
Organise races with mixed-ability groups, emphasizing participation over winning. Cheer for everyone! Consider having all children receive participation medals or ribbons at the end.
Culminate with an Olympic ceremony: children parade with their torches (if created earlier), wave flags, and sing Olympic songs together. Celebrate everyone's effort, teamwork, and Olympic spirit.
Educator tip
Celebrate effort over winning. Give everyone medals! Focus on fun, teamwork, and trying your best—these are the true Olympic values.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe student's active participation and development of motor skills.