Outside TIC-TAC-TOE: Everybody Plays with Traditional Fun

The game “Tic-Tac-Toe” has been around for many centuries. Some Historians believe that the Egyptians created this game. However, through extensive research, a Roman game called Terni Lapilli, which means “Three Pebbles at a Time,” became popular during the Roman Empire era. The game was played on a 3 by 3 grid but not on paper. They sketched on various surfaces like wood and stone and used moveable objects like in the game of chess instead of X’s and O’s.

For many years, Tic-Tac-Toe has been played by both children and adults. As a child, I recall playing this game with my neighborhood friends during school recess and at our home using the sidewalk, parking lot, driveway, and lots of colorful chalk. Children today continue to enjoy the game in this manner as well as on their tablets. Fun Fact It was fascinating to read that tic-tac-toe is popular among teachers because it is the best way to teach a simple mathematical principle of probability. For instance, you will be surprised to know that there are as many as 138 unique winning combinations or 362800 unique ways to place Xs and Os into the grids.

Items Needed:

• 9 Hula Hoops (inexpensive at the dollar store)
• 10 Paper Plates
• 1 Black Marker

Description:

• Find a clear area in your backyard
• With the black marker, draw a large “O” on 5 paper plates
• With the black marker, draw a large “X” on 5 paper plates
• Place the hula hoops next to each other, making 3 horizontal rows and 3 vertical columns

Playing tic-tac-toe

This game is played with two players. One player uses the “X’s” and the other the “O’s”. The goal of the game is simply to achieve 3 “X’s” or 3 “O’s” either horizontally, vertically or diagonally within a row. You may flip a coin to see who goes first. The players take turns by placing their markings inside each of the hula hoops.

Modifications:

Do you have more than 2 people interested in playing?

1. Team Tic-Tac-Toe: 2-3 players per team take turns placing their mark
   inside a hula hoop.
2. Group Tic-Tac-Toe:

Form 2 relay lines at one end of the playing area and place the tic-tac-toe grid at the other end. Pile the “X” plates in front of one of the relay lines and the “O” plates in front of the other relay line.

On a given signal, the first player from each relay line picks up one marker plate and runs to the playing grid board to place their mark inside one of the hoops.

When he/she returns to the end of their relay line, that is an indication that the next player should pick up another marker plate and run to place it inside the hoop.

The game ends when one of the teams gets 3 of its markings in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Adaptations

Find an area that is wheelchair accessible (cemented or paved) Tape a small rock on the bottom of each plate so that the player that uses a mobility device is able to slightly toss their “X” or “O” inside one of
the hoops.

About Author

Elizabeth O’Hara, a Gymsters franchise owner for 30+ years, is also an Adapted Physical Education teacher and Walnut Grove Board member. She pioneered fitness programs for special needs individuals, reaching over 60 schools. Resides in Boardman, Ohio, with her husband, three children, and five grandchildren. http://www.gymstersneohio.com/