Melting Snowman Tag

Sunbeams tag the snowmen, who slowly start to melt; two classmates can save them before they reach the ground. Students practice running and dodging, helping others, and controlling the body while lowering slowly.

How to play

1. Mark a 65 x 65 ft area with cones. Pick 3 sunbeams wearing yellow pinnies; everyone else is a snowman (1 min).
2. On the whistle, sunbeams try to tag. A tagged snowman freezes with arms out and starts to melt, sinking very slowly while counting to ten until seated.
3. To save them, two free snowmen hold hands around the melting snowman and say "Snow!" The snowman stands up and is free again.
4. If a snowman reaches the floor, they go to the freezer (a coned-off corner), do 5 star jumps, and come back into the game.
5. Each round lasts 2 minutes. At the end, count how many snowmen are standing: that is the snow's score against the sun.
6. Switch sunbeams every round. Play 5 or 6 rounds (13 min).

Rules

• No one may tag a player who is in the middle of a rescue.
• Melting is slow and counted out loud; no flopping to the floor.
• Tag with a touch on the back or shoulder, no pushing.
• Look where you are running so you don't bump into melting snowmen.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair can be a sunbeam with a pool noodle, or a snowman who melts by slowly lowering their arms.
• Hearing impairment: sunbeams wear bright yellow pinnies and the start is given with a visual signal.
• Fitness level: students who need a rest can be a safe rescuer in the center who cannot be tagged.

Learning goals

• Help classmates get back into the game.
• Dodge and move quickly in a shared space.
• Control the body while lowering slowly and with balance.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pinnies: 5
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

Teach the idea of rescuing before running away: the game works when everyone helps. If too many snowmen end up seated, add a second freezer so they get back in faster.

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