This is a team relay game where students complete short movement challenges (run, balance, dribble, carry) and then tag the next teammate. The adaptation turns a normal relay into a buddy system relay: every relay leg includes a 10-second connectedness action (encouragement, appreciation, inclusion, responsibility). Teams still race, but the real aim is to practice being a supportive community under pressure.
Skill focus
Primary Skill Focus
- Connectedness
Complementary/Secondary Skill Focus
- Emotional awareness, regulation and communication
- Valuing people and nature
| Age group | Student number | Duration |
| 6-10 years old | Whole class (in groups). | 25–40 minutes (1–3 rounds) |
How to play – brief game rules
A) Core relay structure (kept the same)
- Divide the class into equal teams. Teams line up behind a start line.
- Set up stations or a simple course (cone → task → return).
- First player completes the station task, returns, and tags the next teammate.
- Continue until all players have completed a leg.
- Run another round (optional), rotating roles and station types.
B) Buddy System rules (key adaptation)
To make connectedness the main focus, each team uses rotating roles:
- Runner: completes the movement task
- Encourager: gives the runner a short supportive phrase before they go
- Strategist: quickly helps if the team gets stuck or a station fails (“Try again with a tweak”)
- Connector: makes sure everyone is included (especially quieter students)
Roles can rotate each round or every 2 turns.
C) The “Tag with Connection” rule (always)
Tagging is not just a tap. When tagging, the runner must say one short connection phrase (choose one):
- “You’ve got this!”
- “I’m with you!”
- “Let’s do it together!”
This keeps connectedness alive without stopping the relay.