The Three-Second House
A tag game with three rules: inside a hoop I'm safe only while I count to three, whoever gets tagged puts on the pinny and becomes a tagger, and nobody is ever out. It works on running and dodging, following rules and switching roles without getting upset.
How to play
- Show the houses (hoops) and practice together counting "one, two, three" and running out (2 min).
- Tag with three children wearing pinnies; whoever gets tagged takes the pinny and becomes a tagger (3 min).
- Stop and recall the three rules together (1 min).
- Take away two houses and play again (3 min).
- One slow-motion round to catch our breath (1 min).
- Put the hoops and pinnies back in their basket (2 min).
Rules
- In a house, only until three.
- If you get tagged, put on the pinny and you're it.
- Tag gently on the arm or back.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only the teacher tags, and you can stay home as long as you like.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, three taggers and a three-second house.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, add the rule that you can't tag back the person who just tagged you.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the wheelchair is a moving house; touching it is safe, and the child tags by hand.
- Hearing loss: count on fingers as well as out loud.
- Autism: start as the helper who hands over the pinny, and join in whenever ready.
Learning goals
- Run, dodge and change direction.
- Follow three rules while playing.
- Accept switching roles without getting upset.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 6
- pinnies: 3
- basket: 1
Teacher tip
Handing over the pinny works as a built-in breather: keep it. Watch that counting doesn't stretch out; at first, count out loud with whoever is in a house.
PatioLab has "The Three-Second House" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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