Scarves From the Other Side
The playground is split into two sides with a hoop of scarves at the back of each: children cross over to take a scarf from the other team's hoop and bring it back to their own, and on their own side they can tag visitors. It works on running and dodging, choosing when to cross and following rules.
How to play
- Show the two sides, the line of cones in the middle and each team's hoop full of scarves (2 min).
- Practice in slow motion: cross over, take one scarf from the other hoop and come back; on my side I can tag visitors (2 min).
- Play: if I'm tagged on the other side, I give my scarf to the tagger and walk back to my side (4 min).
- Stop and count together how many scarves are in each hoop (1 min).
- Second round, switching sides (2 min).
- Gather all the scarves into one basket (1 min).
Rules
- One scarf at a time.
- If I'm tagged on the other side, I hand over the scarf and walk back.
- No tagging inside the hoop.
Variations
Easier
For 4-year-olds, no tagging: just cross, grab and bring back, with the teacher as the only very slow tagger.
Standard
For 5-year-olds, the full game with all three rules.
Harder
For confident 5-year-olds, a child walking back can be "rescued" by holding hands with a teammate and can run again.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: in a wheelchair, play with a free lane where nobody tags them.
- Visual impairment: play holding a buddy's hand, with a sound at their team's hoop to help them find it.
- Autism: start as the hoop keeper who hands out and counts scarves, and join the running whenever ready.
Learning goals
- Run while dodging others.
- Decide when to cross.
- Follow rules in a two-sided game.
Equipment for a class of 25
- scarves: 30
- hoops: 2
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Mark the middle line clearly with cones. Keep reminding them to tag gently on the arm or back: in the excitement, they push. When counting, don't name a winner: "Look how many scarves traveled!"
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