Rote counting isn’t any fun, but counting during the course of a game is! This variation on an old game involves counting, problem solving, moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, and practice with the locomotor skills of running and dodging. And it contributes to the children’s feelings of belonging – so essential to learning to be part of a community!
What You Need:
- A group of kids: four or more is best.
What You Do:
- Everyone but “It” counts to five.
- As the children are counting, “It” runs as far away from the group possible.
- Then, all the other children chase “It.”
- The child who manages to tag “It” then becomes “It” and must run away from everyone else!
Playing tag with this simple modification means continuous participation for all!
Rae Pica is a children's physical activity specialist and the author of A Running Start: How Play, Physical Activity, and Free Time Create a Successful Child (Da Capo Press, 2006) and Great Games for Young Children (Gryphon House, 2006).
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