Rock Paper Scissors Entourage
Everyone plays rock paper scissors; the loser becomes the winner's cheering section and follows them chanting their name, until the final pits two huge groups of fans against each other. It breaks the ice, gets everyone chanting names, and teaches students to win and lose with humor.
How to play
- Students spread out around the gym. Review the hand signs and the count "Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!" (1 min).
- Each student finds a partner, they say their names, and play one round. The loser lines up behind the winner with hands on their shoulders.
- The loser is now the winner's entourage: they chant the winner's name and jog behind as the winner looks for another winner to challenge.
- When a player with an entourage loses, they and their whole entourage join the line behind the new winner, chanting the new name.
- Keep going until two players remain, each with half the class behind them; the final is best of three with everybody cheering (4 min per game).
- Play two or three full games so different students become champions (10 min).
- Finish with a group cheer and ask how it felt to lose and switch to cheering (1 min).
Rules
- Cheering is always positive: chant the name, never boo the opponent.
- Entourages jog behind without pulling on the shoulders in front.
- If it is a tie, replay until there is a winner.
- Throw your sign at the same time; no late switches.
Variations
Easier
Play with fixed partners, and the loser simply claps for the winner without forming lines.
Standard
Grow entourages all the way to a best-of-three final.
Harder
Instead of rock paper scissors, use full-body signs (giant, wizard, elf) and travel by skipping.
Adaptations
- Students who use wheelchairs play normally with their hands, and their entourage lines up beside them instead of behind.
- For students with autism or noise sensitivity, cheer with quiet claps or gestures instead of shouting.
- For shy students, being in the entourage is a safe way to join in; offer for them to start cheering alongside a friend.
Learning goals
- Learn and use every classmate's name.
- Handle winning and losing with good sportsmanship.
- Enjoy a game that brings the whole group together.
Teacher tip
This game gets loud: agree on a quiet signal first and stop if the volume climbs too high; it works great in a small space too.
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