Bunny, Hop Into the Burrow
Children make burrows in pairs holding hands; a fox chases a bunny, who is safe by ducking into a burrow, and then the bunny on the other side has to run out and the fox chases them instead. It practices quick reactions, paying attention, and everyone getting a turn in each role.
How to play
- In pairs, facing each other and holding hands with arms up, we make burrows around the playground (1 min).
- The teacher is the fox and one child is the bunny; we walk it through to learn how to enter: the bunny ducks under the arms and stays, and the child on the far side comes out (3 min).
- We play running: the bunny who comes out is the new one chased; if the fox tags the bunny, they switch and the bunny becomes the fox (5 min).
- Two foxes and two bunnies at once for more action (3 min).
- All the burrows line up into one long tunnel and the bunnies hop gently through it (2 min).
Rules
- A bunny is safe inside a burrow.
- When a bunny goes in, the one on the other side runs out.
- If the fox tags, we switch roles.
- Burrows don't move or close up.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher holds the bunny's hand and everything is done walking; burrows are adults or 5-year-olds.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, one fox and one bunny running, with the teacher helping call “Your turn to go!”
Harder
For 5-year-olds, two foxes and two bunnies, and burrows must stay alert with no reminders.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: makes a burrow with a buddy who reaches arms over the wheelchair, and goes out as a bunny with a head start.
- Hearing impairment: the bunny entering taps the shoulder of the one who must leave, so the cue is visual and by touch.
- Autism: start as a burrow, a fixed role, and watch a few rounds before running.
Learning goals
- React quickly when it's your turn to run.
- Stay tuned in even when standing still.
- Switch roles naturally.
Teacher tip
This game takes a while to click: walk it through many times before running and call names out loud, “Lucy, out you go!” Swap the bunny soon if one can't find a burrow, so nobody gets stressed.
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