The Tag Game That Invents a Rule
We play a simple tag game with no one out, then the whole group picks a new rule from picture cards and tries it. Children practice running, following rules and inventing them together.
How to play
- Explain the game: three taggers wear pinnies; tagged players freeze with arms out until a friend ducks under their arm (2 min).
- Play a round and switch taggers (3 min).
- Sit down; the teacher shows four picture cards with possible rules: 'inside a hoop I'm safe,' 'we run like penguins,' 'the tagger hops on one foot,' 'to free someone, high-five them' (2 min).
- Vote by raising hands for the favorite rule and add it to the game (1 min).
- Play with the new rule, changing taggers often (5 min).
- Sit and talk it over: 'Was it more fun? Should we keep it for another day?' (3 min).
Rules
- If you're tagged, freeze with your arms out.
- We tag gently on the back or arm.
- Everyone follows the winning rule, even if it wasn't mine.
- Everyone gets to be a tagger.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use one tagger (the teacher) and choose the new rule from two cards.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use three taggers and four cards to vote on.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, they suggest the new rule in their own words and the teacher sketches it on the spot.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: they can be a tagger from a zone using a pool noodle, or the others walk around them.
- Autism: keep the winning rule card posted in view for the whole game.
- Hearing impairment: start and stop with a raised hand, and the vote is visible with hands.
Learning goals
- Run and dodge with changes of direction.
- Take part in creating a group rule.
- Accept the rule chosen by the majority.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Pinnies: 3
- Hoops: 6
- Picture rule cards: 4
Teacher tip
Bring pre-drawn cards so the vote is quick and time isn't lost talking. The usual issue is the 'losing' side getting upset: get ahead of it with 'Today this one, another day we'll try yours.'
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