The Pattern

A physical game where participants must recreate a color pattern with cones on the field, based on a pattern given to them on paper.

Set up a certain number of courses with a 4x4 cone grid on each course. Divide the children into groups of up to four participants and have them stand behind a starting line some distance from the cones.

Each team is given a slip of paper with a pattern that they must recreate on their course by placing out cones in a corresponding pattern. Each team receives 4 cones in four different colors that match the colors in the pattern. It is only allowed to bring one cone each time one runs, and one must return to the start before the next cone can be retrieved or the next team member runs.

The pattern is located at the starting line, so the children must remember where to place the cones. If someone places a cone incorrectly, the next participant can correct it, but it is only allowed to move (swap the position of) two cones per round at the course (one swap).

Once the team has correctly recreated a pattern, they can receive a new pattern – without removing the cones that are already out. To do this, participants must move the cones, a maximum of two per turn. This makes the exercise more challenging than simply placing a new color on the correct square.

• The activity can be carried out individually, in pairs, or in groups.

• The activity can also be linked to different subjects.

Progression

• A smaller or larger course provides fewer or more challenges, respectively, depending on the target group.
• If the cones are placed on a mound, it becomes more difficult to plan the next move before reaching it, compared to standing at the top and looking down at the course.
• If participants are forbidden from communicating, the difficulty level increases further.