Sleepy Cat and Tiptoe Mice
The teacher is a cat sleeping in the middle; the little mice tiptoe out of their house, and when the cat meows, they run back home. Kids practice reacting fast, quiet tiptoe travel, and running with changes of direction.
How to play
- Use cones to mark a long line: behind it is the “mouse house.” All kids start inside. The teacher lies down like a cat in the middle of the playground.
- Say: “Little mice, the cat is sleeping. Tiptoe out very slowly, no noise, to find cheese.” Kids tiptoe toward the cat.
- Snore, stretch, or swish your tail to build suspense. After 10–20 seconds, say “Meow!” and get up.
- Everyone runs home behind the cones. The cat follows on all fours without really catching anyone (5–6 rounds, 4 min).
- In the last rounds, add a clue: if the cat scratches its ear, the mice freeze like statues instead of running.
- Finish: “The cat is really asleep now.” The mice tiptoe close and give a gentle tickle on the cat’s shoulder (1 min).
Rules
- Leave the house on tiptoes and quietly.
- Run looking forward, no pushing.
- Nobody is out: the cat never catches, it only startles.
- Stop behind the cones when you get home.
Variations
Easier
The cat warns first, “I’m waking up…,” then meows.
Standard
The cat meows by surprise and follows on all fours.
Harder
Add the freeze signal, and mice go out crawling or sideways.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: give the child a closer house marked with an extra cone, or let them be a second cat who gives the signal.
- Autism or fearful kids: let the child be a “helper mouse” holding your hand or a buddy’s hand.
- More skilled kids walk home backward; less skilled kids only go out to the middle of the playground.
Learning goals
- React quickly to a sound signal.
- Tiptoe while controlling noise and speed.
- Follow the rules of a chasing game without elimination.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 6
Teacher tip
Leave a wide home area, clear of benches or posts. Ham up the sleeping cat: the sleepier you look, the more they love sneaking up.
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