Wake the Bear: Run Home!
The bear is sleeping in its cave, and the explorers tiptoe closer. When the bear wakes up, everyone runs home. Kids who get tagged are not out: they become little bear helpers. Kids practice reacting, sneaking quietly, and handling the thrill of being chased.
How to play
- Place a mat in the middle (the cave) and a line of cones on one side of the gym (home). Everyone starts at home. Lie down on the mat: you are the bear.
- Say: "Let's visit the bear without waking it up." Kids tiptoe, crawl, or slide on their bellies, depending on what you say in a sleepy voice: "Snore, snore... here come the kittens."
- While the bear snores, kids may move closer. If the bear stirs or stretches, everyone freezes like a statue.
- On "I'm awake!", the bear gets up and walks quickly (no running) toward them. Everyone runs home. Anyone the bear tags becomes a bear cub and lies in the cave next round (about 6 rounds, 8 minutes).
- Every two rounds all the cubs go back to being explorers, and one child becomes the bear alongside you.
- Finish with the bear falling truly asleep and everyone lying next to it, snoring softly for 30 seconds.
Rules
- The bear walks, never runs.
- No one can be tagged at home.
- Tag with an open hand on the back, no pushing.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the bear warns first: "I'm going to wake up... now!" and no one becomes a cub.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, the bear wakes up by surprise and tagged kids become cubs.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the bear fakes it with sneezes and yawns, and kids run only on "I'm awake!"
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: home is a hoop 6 feet away, or the child is a bear with you.
- Fear: the child holds a buddy's hand or is the alarm clock on the tambourine.
- More skilled kids approach on their bellies; less skilled kids start closer to home.
Learning goals
- React quickly to a sound cue.
- Move quietly in different ways: tiptoeing, crawling, and belly sliding.
- Manage the excitement and scare of a chase game.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 1
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Play a friendly, dramatic bear: kids love a fun scare, but never yell. Keep home away from walls so there is room to stop.
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