Tails That Change Owners
Almost everyone wears a scarf tail at the waist and a few hunters don't; when a hunter grabs a tail, they put it on, and the child who lost it becomes a hunter. Nobody sits out: they just switch roles.
How to play
- The teacher shows how to tuck the scarf into the back of the waistband, leaving half hanging, and how to pull it out gently (1 min).
- Partner practice: one tries to grab the other's tail, then they switch (2 min).
- Game: three hunters without tails; when they grab one, they put it on and the child without a tail is the new hunter (4 min).
- Add two more hunters so there are more switches (3 min).
- The teacher collects all the tails and everyone stretches like a tail: up on tiptoe, to the sides, and forward (2 min).
Rules
- The tail hangs out; no hiding or tying it.
- I grab the tail; I don't push or grab clothes.
- If my tail is taken, I'm a hunter.
- With a new tail, I put it on before I run.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher and another adult are the only hunters and give the tail right back.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, three hunters and roles switch when a tail is taken.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, five hunters, and you can't grab the tail of the person who just grabbed yours.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the tail hangs on the side of the wheelchair where it's reachable, and the child hunts by touching anyone who passes nearby.
- Autism: if having something taken is hard, the child starts as the teacher's tail handout helper and joins when ready.
- Visual impairment: tie a jingle bell to the tails so they can be heard, and play with a buddy guide.
Learning goals
- Dodge with turns and changes of direction.
- Accept losing the tail by switching roles.
- Control force when pulling a tail.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Scarves: 22
Teacher tip
Check that tails hang evenly: kids who tuck them almost all the way in are cheating without meaning to. The first lost tail brings a few tears: cheer it with “Now you're a hunter!”
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