Sun and Moon: Who Chases Now?

The class splits into suns and moons, sitting back to back in the middle; if the teacher says “Sun!”, suns chase moons to their home, and if “Moon!”, the other way around. Anyone tagged switches teams, so nobody sits out and roles change all the time.

How to play

1. The teacher marks two homes with cones at each end and two lines in the middle; each group learns its sign: suns make a circle with their arms, moons a curve (2 min).
2. We practice walking: the teacher calls a name and that team chases while the other heads home (2 min).
3. We play running; tagged kids switch teams and make the other group's sign (4 min).
4. The teacher stretches out the words to trick them: “Suuu... per!”, “Moooo... ve!” (2 min).
5. Eclipse time: suns and moons hold hands in a circle and walk slowly (2 min).

Rules

• If they call my team, I chase; if they call the other, I go home.
• At my home I'm safe.
• If I'm tagged, I switch teams.
• I tag with a touch, no pushing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a shorter distance to their home, or the child is the referee who holds up the sun or moon card.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher pairs the word with a big sun or moon card.
• Autism: the child may stay on the same team if switching is disorganizing; others switch, they stay.

Learning goals

• React to a word by chasing or running away.
• Accept switching teams.
• Tell similar-sounding words apart.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Cones: 6

Teacher tip

Keep the two lines a few feet apart to avoid crashes at the start. Little ones mix up directions at first: the walking practice is a must.

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