Duck, Duck, Goose
A classic circle game where seated students try to discover who has a scarf dropped behind them and chase the player who dropped it. It builds attention, reaction and running on a curve while taking turns.
How to play
- Form 3 circles of 8–9 students sitting on the floor facing in, hands on knees. One student in each circle stands holding a scarf.
- The circle chants a rhyme such as "Drop the hanky, drop the hanky, who will get it? Not me!" while the scarf holder walks around the outside.
- Without being seen, the walker drops the scarf behind someone and keeps walking. Nobody may turn around; they can only feel behind their back.
- When a player finds the scarf, they grab it and chase the dropper one full lap around the circle. If the dropper reaches the open spot and sits, they're safe; if tagged, they sit in the middle for one turn.
- The player who grabbed the scarf becomes the new dropper. If nobody notices it after a full lap, the dropper picks it up and tries again.
- Play for 12 minutes. Halfway through, switch the running direction so students run both ways.
Rules
- No turning around during the chant; you may reach behind your back.
- Run around the outside of the circle, never through the middle.
- A player in the middle comes out as soon as someone else goes in, so nobody sits out long.
- Safety: leave about 3 ft of running room behind the circle and keep feet tucked in.
Variations
Easier
The chase is done speed-walking or jumping with feet together.
Standard
One full lap around the outside of the circle.
Harder
Chase on one foot or bear crawling, or use two scarves in each circle at once.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student joins the circle in a wheelchair and the chase is shortened to half a lap.
- Visual impairment: tie a small bell to the scarf and have the neighbor tap the student's shoulder.
- Autism or shyness: let the student lead the chant and keep the beat first, then take a turn as dropper.
Learning goals
- Stay focused during the chant.
- React and run on a curve without losing balance.
- Enjoy a traditional chanting game as a group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- scarves: 3
Teacher tip
Large circles mean lots of waiting, so keep them small. Watch that the scarf doesn't always end up behind the same few students.
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