Bunnies Hide: Here Comes the Fox!
Little bunnies hop and scamper around the meadow, and when the teacher warns that the fox is coming, each one runs to hide in a hoop burrow and curls into a ball. Children practice reacting to a signal while warming up with jumps and short sprints.
How to play
- Spread the hoops on the ground, one per child: each is a bunny's burrow (1 min).
- The bunnies leave home, bunny-hopping with feet together all over the meadow (1 min).
- The teacher calls “Here comes the fox!” and everyone runs to a hoop, steps inside and curls into a ball, hidden (1 min).
- Slowly poke your ears out (hands on your head) until the teacher says “He's gone!” and you come out again (1 min).
- Repeat with a new way to come out: running, crawling on all fours or hopping on one foot (1 min).
- Last call: the fox falls asleep and the bunnies tiptoe out to nibble carrots very slowly (1 min).
Rules
- Any hoop will do: everyone has a burrow.
- In my burrow I curl into a ball and stay still.
- I only come out when the teacher says “He's gone!”.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, play in a small space; the teacher is a friendly fox and gives a gesture before calling out.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, the teacher removes a hoop each round and two bunnies share a burrow with a hug.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the warning is just a sound (three claps) and children must remember which way to come out.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child's burrow is close by, and hiding means covering the face with the arms.
- Hearing impairment: the fox is announced by raising a red scarf.
- Visual impairment: the child holds a buddy's hand, and their hoop has a jingle bell tied on so they can find it.
Learning goals
- React quickly to a signal.
- Warm up with jumps and short runs.
- Enjoy the thrill of hiding without fear.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Hoops: 25
Teacher tip
Space the hoops well apart so kids don't trip landing in them. Keep the fox friendly: some 3-year-olds get scared if the teacher uses a spooky voice.
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