The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats
Based on the classic fairy tale: the little goats come out to play when Mother Goat knocks and run to hide at home when the wolf knocks. They tell the two knocks apart by the sound of the tambourine. Kids work on listening skills, reaction time, and dramatic play.
How to play
- Push several mats together on one side of the gym: it is the house. Everyone sits inside. Tell the start of the story in 1 minute: Mother Goat goes out and warns them not to open the door to the wolf.
- Teach the two knocks: Mother Goat, two soft tambourine taps and a sweet voice; the wolf, loud bangs and a deep voice.
- At Mother Goat's knock, kids go out and play in the meadow like little goats: hopping and eating grass on all fours (1 minute per round).
- At the wolf's knock, everyone runs home and curls into a quiet ball. Wearing a scarf as ears, you prowl around sniffing, then leave.
- Play 6–8 rounds (10 minutes). From round four, a child tagged before reaching home wears the scarf and is the wolf with you next round.
- End of the story: Mother Goat comes back, everyone comes out and celebrates with a little goat dance around the house (1 minute).
Rules
- Leave home only at Mother Goat's soft knock.
- At home, curl up without stepping on anyone.
- The wolf tags gently with an open hand, never grabs.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, also say "It's Mom!" or "It's the wolf!" to help.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use only the tambourine and voice.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the wolf tries to copy Mom's voice, so kids must listen for the rhythm: two soft taps means Mom.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: home is a hoop by the wheelchair, or the child is the wolf who knocks.
- Hearing loss: Mom shows a green card, the wolf a red one.
- More skilled goats jump with feet together; less skilled goats stay near home.
Learning goals
- Tell two different sounds apart and respond to each.
- React quickly and control their bodies in silence.
- Act out story characters through movement.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 6
- tambourine: 1
- handkerchief: 1
Teacher tip
Read the story in class the same day. Play a dramatic but friendly wolf; if a child gets scared, make them your helper on the tambourine.
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