Now I'm the Wolf!
A wolf chases the piggies, and whenever a piggy is tagged, the roles switch: the piggy howls “Now I'm the wolf!” and the old wolf becomes a piggy. It practices running, accepting a role change, and reacting fast when things switch.
How to play
- We practice the two signs: the wolf puts hands on head as ears, and the piggy pushes up a piggy nose (1 min).
- Practice round with the teacher as the wolf: after tagging, the teacher makes a piggy nose and the tagged child puts on wolf ears and howls (2 min).
- Game with three wolves at once: after a tag, they swap signs and the new wolf counts to three before chasing (3 min).
- Mud puddle rule: a piggy can rest inside the mud hoop by saying “oink” three times, but then must come out (3 min).
- Final round with five wolves so almost everyone gets both roles (2 min).
- Wolves and piggies sit together and share how many times they were the wolf (1 min).
Rules
- The wolf wears wolf ears so everyone can see.
- If I'm tagged, I'm the wolf and I count to three.
- Don't tag back the person who just tagged you.
- Tag gently on the arm or back.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only one wolf (the teacher at first), and the switch happens with the teacher's help and a hug.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, three wolves and the count of three before chasing.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, five wolves, and when the teacher calls “Full moon!” the wolves can only move on hands and feet for that round.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: when tagging from a wheelchair, use a short pool noodle; as a piggy, wolves tag with a clap in the air.
- Hearing impairment: the wolf-ears sign is the cue and no howling is needed; the switch is visible.
- Autism: explain ahead of time that they'll be wolf and piggy several times, and practice the switch in the trial round.
Learning goals
- Run while changing direction.
- Accept switching roles without getting upset.
- Respect the count before chasing.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Hoops: 2
Teacher tip
The hard part is switching sides instantly: do plenty of slow practice rounds. Stop instant tag-backs with the rule “Leave the person who tagged you alone for a bit.”
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