Squirrels Save Acorns From the Fox
Squirrels cross the forest carrying acorns (soft balls) from the fall basket to their storage while a fox tries to tag them on the way; a tagged squirrel returns the acorn to the basket and tries again. It practices running while carrying something, sticking with it, and working toward a shared goal.
How to play
- The teacher shows the acorn basket on one side, the shared storage on the other, and the hoop trees along the way where squirrels can rest safely (2 min).
- Squirrels carry acorns one at a time with no fox, practicing running with a ball in their hands (2 min).
- The fox (the teacher) comes out: if it tags a squirrel holding an acorn, the squirrel puts it back in the basket and tries again; nobody can be tagged in the trees (4 min).
- Two children join the teacher as foxes and switch often (4 min).
- We count together how many acorns are stored for winter, and the squirrels curl up to sleep (2 min).
Rules
- I carry one acorn at a time.
- In a tree I'm safe, but only for a little while.
- If the fox tags me, I take the acorn back and try again.
- We don't throw acorns: we carry them.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the fox only walks and the trees are close together; the challenge is carrying acorns without dropping them.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, the fox jogs gently and child foxes take turns.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the acorn is carried a different way each trip (between knees, on the head with hands, in one hand).
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: carries acorns in their lap and foxes can only tag by calling “Fox!” from three feet away, to give a head start; or the child is the storage keeper who counts.
- Visual impairment: someone beats a drum at the storage to guide the child, and a buddy goes along.
- Less coordination: use bigger, softer balls that are easier to hold with two hands.
Learning goals
- Run while carrying an object with control.
- Keep trying without getting discouraged when tagged.
- Reach a group goal together.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Soft balls: 20
- Baskets: 2
- Hoops: 4
Teacher tip
The goal belongs to the group: don't count who carried the most acorns. Use big balls so they don't drop while running and kids bend down less.
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