The Eagle and the Chicks from China
A preschool version of "the eagle catches the chicks," a traditional game from China: the mother hen spreads her arms to protect her line of chicks while the eagle tries to grab the last chick's scarf tail. Children practice moving together in a line, cooperating and protecting the group.
How to play
- The teacher explains that kids in China play the eagle and the chicks. Practice the line: each chick holds the shoulders of the child in front and we walk without letting go (2 min).
- The teacher plays the hen with arms open and shows how she steps side to side to shield her chicks; the last chick tucks a scarf into their waistband as a tail (2 min).
- Play in groups of five: the teacher is a very slow eagle "flying" around, and the line moves together to protect the tail (3 min).
- Now a child is the eagle. If they grab the tail, the eagle becomes the hen, the hen goes to the end and everyone switches spots (3 min).
- Finish with the eagle asleep: all the chicks snuggle under the hen's wings and breathe calmly (2 min).
Rules
- Chicks keep holding shoulders.
- The eagle only grabs the scarf, never clothes or bodies.
- The hen spreads her arms but doesn't push.
- If you lose your tail, switch roles and keep playing.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, lines of three chicks and the teacher is always the eagle, walking slowly.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, lines of five and children take turns being the eagle.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, lines of six and the eagle can jog.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair plays the hen, turning with help, or the line walks instead of running.
- Autism: let the child watch one round first and start at the front of the line, with no contact from behind.
- Visual impairment: place the child in the middle of the line, holding shoulders, where the group guides them.
Learning goals
- Move in a line without letting go, all in the same direction.
- Cooperate to protect the group.
- Learn about a traditional game from China.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Scarves: 6
Teacher tip
Long lines whip around and kids fall: keep them to six at most. Eagles often grab shirts; first teach them to pinch just the scarf with two fingers.
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