Ghost in the Graveyard
A ghost hides in a graveyard of mats while the class counts the clock chimes up to midnight; whoever spots the ghost sounds the alarm and everyone races home before getting tagged. Students practice reaction speed and handling the thrill of a surprise in a fun, not scary, setting.
How to play
- Stand 6-8 mats on end or lean them against benches, with cones, across half the gym: that is the graveyard. Mark home with cones at the far end, about 65 ft away (3 min).
- Pick 2 ghosts wearing pinnies. While everyone else covers their eyes at home and counts "One o'clock, two o'clock… midnight!", the ghosts hide behind a tombstone.
- The group walks out to search the graveyard. Whoever spots a ghost shouts "Ghost in the graveyard!"
- On the alarm, everyone runs for home and the ghosts come out to tag. Nobody can be tagged once they cross the home line.
- Tagged players become ghosts next round; if there are more than 5, choose 3 of them and the rest go back to searching.
- Play rounds of about 2 minutes for 15 minutes, always rotating the ghosts.
Rules
- Ghosts may not hide outside the graveyard area.
- Nobody knocks over or moves the mats; if one falls, play stops.
- Tag with a touch, no pushing or grabbing clothes.
- Only shout the alarm when you really see a ghost.
Variations
Easier
One ghost and home closer, about 40 ft away.
Standard
Two ghosts and home 65 ft away.
Harder
Three ghosts who may sneak to a new tombstone while the group searches, without running.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair has a closer home or plays the clock who counts and starts each round.
- Fear or anxiety: let the student play holding a partner's hand and choose to be a ghost, the one doing the surprising instead of being surprised.
- Fitness level: slower runners can get a two-step head start toward home.
Learning goals
- React and accelerate in response to a sound signal.
- Handle the emotion of surprise while enjoying the game.
- Move carefully through a space with obstacles.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 8
- cones: 10
- pinnies: 3
Teacher tip
Keep it a no-fear Halloween: ghosts can wave or make a silly sound when they pop out. Check that the mats are stable and that the path home is clear of obstacles.
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