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The Floor is Lava
“The Floor is Lava” (“The ground is Lava”) Game Outline
Overview
“The Floor is Lava” is a game based on the parkour discipline that helps build agility, balance, spatial awareness, and communication skills. In this game, participants must navigate a designated area without touching the floor, which is considered “lava”. This game can be adapted to fit various age groups and skill levels. The game’s non-competitive nature allows participants to explore their physical capabilities without comparing themselves to others. Incorporating imagination cues and problem-solving opportunities enhances the enjoyment and engagement of the activity.
Setup
- Define boundaries: This could be a marked-off area, the entire room, or a designated start and finish line.
- Place obstacles: Use items such as “lava rocks”, precision sticks, polyspots, or any safe, stable objects that can act as stepping stones. for advance levels, rails and parkour boxes like Vault Boxes and Tac Ramps can be used.
- Obstacle placement: Obstacles can be placed at varying distances to adjust difficulty. For younger or less experienced participants, place obstacles closer together. For a greater challenge, increase the distance between obstacles or ask students to place the obstacles themselves.
Rules
- The floor is lava: Players cannot touch the floor.
- Obstacles are safe: Players can only step or jump on designated obstacles.
- Out of bounds: Players must stay within the defined boundaries.
Consequences: If a player touches the floor, they are “out” or must return to the starting point.
Imagination Cues
To enhance engagement, incorporate themes and imagination cues into the game:
Cross the River: Imagine the floor is a rushing river, and the obstacles are stepping stones.
Escape the Volcano: The floor is molten lava flowing from an erupting volcano, and the obstacles are safe high ground.
Zombie Ant Apocalypse: The floor is overrun with Ant Zombies, and the obstacles are the only safe zones.
Variations
Obstacles are Lava: Often used as a warm-up for the game, players must first navigate the space without touching the obstacles or other players.
Limited Obstacles: Use only a certain shape or color of obstacle, or have students remove one obstacle after each successful crossing.
Three Strikes: Allow players three strikes (touches of the floor) before they are out.
Timed Challenge: Time how long it takes each player to navigate the course. (Competitive Option)
Safety Considerations
Obstacle Stability: Ensure all obstacles are stable and cannot tip over. Ensure obstacles do not slide.
Obstacle Height: Start with low obstacles for younger or less experienced participants and gradually increase the height as they gain confidence.
Safe Landing Zone: Ensure a clear and safe landing zone around obstacles.
Supervision: Supervise the game at all times to prevent injuries.
You may want to consider researching additional safety guidelines for this activity, especially for younger participants.
Equipment used for this game
Printable Gamecard
Link to go here once complete