Number Call Chasers
A tag game with four numbered groups: when the teacher calls a number, that group becomes the taggers and everyone else runs; each new call switches roles instantly. Tagged players crouch until a teammate frees them. Students practice reaction time, attention, and speed.
How to play
- Form 4 groups of 6 or 7 in colored pinnies and give each color a number: red 1, blue 2, yellow 3, green 4. Mark a 25 x 20 m area (2 min).
- Everyone jogs freely around the area. The teacher calls out a number and holds up fingers: that group becomes the taggers.
- A tagged player crouches with hands on knees. Any free classmate frees them by touching their back.
- Every 30 to 40 seconds, the teacher calls a new number: everyone crouching stands up and a new chase starts with new taggers.
- The teacher can also call simple math ("two plus one") or "Everybody!", and then anyone can tag anyone for 15 seconds.
- Play 3 blocks of 3 minutes with 30-second breaks. At the end, each group shares when it was hardest to react.
Rules
- Only the called number can tag; a tag from another color doesn't count.
- Tag gently on the shoulder or back.
- Crouching players stay put until freed or until a new call.
- When the number changes, no one may tag for the first two seconds.
Variations
Easier
Call every 60 seconds and have taggers speed-walk.
Standard
Calls every 30 to 40 seconds, back-touch rescues, and simple math calls.
Harder
The teacher calls two numbers at once and the two tagging groups must coordinate.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student belongs to a group and, when their number is called, tags anyone inside a zone marked with flat disc cones.
- Hearing loss: always show the number with fingers and on a large card.
- Fitness level: students with lower fitness can't be tagged while they are touching a teammate's back to rescue them.
Learning goals
- React quickly to role changes.
- Pay attention to the teacher's signals throughout the game.
- Help classmates who have been tagged.
Equipment for a class of 25
- colored pinnies: 25
Teacher tip
Vary the timing of calls to keep students alert. Math calls are a nice cross-curricular touch, but keep them very simple so the game keeps moving.
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