Hug Tag

A cooperative tag game where you are only safe while hugging classmates, in groups of the size the teacher calls, and tagged players switch roles with the tagger. Students work on dodging, reaction speed and including others.

How to play

1. Mark off an area about 20 by 20 yards. Choose three taggers, each with a pool noodle to tag gently on shoulders or back (1 min).
2. Explain how to be safe: anyone side-hugging a classmate (arm over the shoulder) can't be tagged, but only for 5 seconds; then let go and find a new partner (1 min).
3. Play 2-minute rounds. A tagged player takes the noodle and becomes a tagger; the old tagger becomes a runner. Nobody is ever out (4 min).
4. Change the hug size by calling a number: 'Hugs of three!' or 'Hugs of four!'. Only groups with that exact number are safe (4 min).
5. Final 'class hug' round: on the whistle, everyone races to form one giant group hug in the middle (2 min).

Rules

• Tag with the noodle below the shoulders, never on the head.
• A hug lasts 5 seconds at most, and you can't pick the same partner twice in a row.
• Anyone who doesn't want to hug can be safe by giving a two-hand high five instead.
• Safety: hugs are gentle, with no pushing and no lifting anyone off the ground.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student in a wheelchair is a fixed 'home base'; anyone who high-fives them is safe for 5 seconds.
• Autism or touch sensitivity: use the high-five option or both students touching the same hoop.
• Fitness level: if speed differences are large, taggers may only power walk.

Learning goals

• Dodge and change direction to avoid being tagged.
• Form groups quickly and welcome any classmate.
• Respect the kind of contact each person accepts.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pool noodles: 4

Teacher tip

Introduce the high-five option first so nobody feels forced to hug. Watch for the same pairs forming every time, and call numbers to mix kids up.

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