Gopher Exclusive Product
Directional Spots
These vibrant, durable poly spots featuring directional commands will show your students the way! Use them to easily set up fun games and activities that get hearts pumping, to take the hassle out of organizing groups and teams, or give students bright visual aids to show them where to go next!
Whether counting heads before a field trip or guiding students through a PE circuit or game, these vinyl arrows make it easier than ever to control the class. Bold directional prompts from straight arrows to U-turns offer maximum versatility.
Tough vinyl construction won't rip or tear and keeps arrows in place wherever you put them. Exciting colors are easy to pick out on any surface and draw students' attention. Available in a Set of 8. Stop Sign is 8-3/4" dia. Arrows average 12"L.
Set includes:
- Straight Arrow, 2 Ea
- Two-Way Arrow, 1 Ea
- Left Arrow, 1 Ea
- Right Arrow, 1 Ea
- Left U-Turn Arrow, 1 Ea
- Right U-Turn Arrow, 1 Ea
- Stop Sign, 1 Ea
15 Interactive Activity Ideas Using Directional Spots
The Directional Spots from Gopher Sport are durable, non-slip floor markers that feature clear, easy-to-see arrows pointing in specific directions. These arrows provide an instant visual cue to help guide students through movement pathways, activity stations, and spatial awareness games. Unlike regular poly spots, Directional Spots add an extra layer of instructional support by showing students exactly which way to move, turn, or face. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings, these spots are ideal for teaching directional movement, agility, coordination, and dynamic spatial orientation. Below are 15 creative and engaging activity ideas that harness the unique directional design of these spots to develop a wide range of fundamental movement skills.
1. Arrow Obey Relay: Lay out a path of Directional Spots in a random pattern. Students must follow the arrows exactly, using a specific locomotor movement (e.g., galloping, skipping). Encourages directional awareness and coordination.
2. Follow the Arrow Frolic: Place arrows pointing in different directions around the gym. Students must move from one to the next using the movement indicated by a teacher (e.g., “Hop to the arrow, follow its direction!”).
3. Direction Dash Memory: Students observe a short arrow sequence for 5 seconds, then try to recreate it by running through the Directional Spots in the same order. Builds memory and sequencing skills.
4. Spin & Slide Speedway: Each time students reach an arrow, they must perform a spin or slide in the direction it’s pointing. Incorporates balance and lateral movement.
5. Freeze Frame Follow: Play music while students move around randomly. When music stops, they run to the nearest Directional Spot and freeze in a pose facing the arrow’s direction.
6. Dodge & Dash Direction Game: Scatter cones and Directional Spots. Students must dodge the cones and use the arrows to guide their next movement. Encourages quick decision-making and spatial awareness.
7. Leap to Lead Lines: Lay out Directional Spots in straight or angled lines. Students leap from one to the next, always facing and landing in the arrow’s direction. Focuses on leaping and safe landings.
8. Kick It That Way: Place Directional Spots near Gopher Performer Soccer Balls. Students must kick the ball in the arrow’s direction, aiming for accuracy and control. Develops foot-eye coordination.
9. Hop & Halt Hunt: Students hop from spot to spot. When they land, they must freeze and point their arms or entire body in the same direction as the arrow. Teaches body orientation and hopping.
10. Runway Reversal Race: Set a long path of arrows leading to a turnaround point. Once students reach the last arrow, they must run back in reverse by following the arrows backward. Builds speed and directional transition skills.
11. Jumping Jack Journey: Each time a student steps on an arrow, they perform 5 jumping jacks while facing the arrow’s direction before continuing. Combines conditioning and directional learning.
12. Directional Dance Off: Assign a movement to each direction (e.g., forward = two claps, left = spin). Play music and have students dance through Directional Spots, responding to each arrow with the assigned movement.
13. Stop & Sway Station: When students reach a spot, they must sway their body gently left and right while facing the arrow for 10 seconds before continuing. Reinforces controlled movement and balance.
14. Reaction Run Rampage: Randomly place Directional Spots. The teacher calls out “GO” and a locomotor skill. Students must follow the nearest arrow using that movement immediately. Reinforces reaction time and adaptability.
15. Direction Detective Mission: Create a scavenger hunt where each arrow leads to the next clue or station. Students must solve a movement riddle or complete a skill (e.g., throw to a target) at each point. Builds problem-solving and movement combinations.