What Time Is It, Mr. Wolf?
A classic game where students creep toward the wolf by asking the time and take as many steps as the wolf says; when they hear "Lunchtime!" they race back home. It builds careful listening, reaction time and quick starts with no elimination.
How to play
- Use cones to mark a home line and, 15-20 yards away, the wolf's den. For the first round, the teacher is the wolf, standing with their back to the group. Explain the game in about 1 minute.
- All students stand on the home line and call out together: "What time is it, Mr. Wolf?" The wolf answers with a time, such as "Four o'clock," and everyone takes four steps forward.
- The wolf also names the type of step: giant steps, baby steps, two-foot hops or one-foot hops.
- When the wolf shouts "Lunchtime!", they turn around and chase the group back to the home line. Anyone tagged before reaching home becomes a wolf helper for the next round.
- After each chase, the helpers rejoin the group and a new student wolf is chosen. Play 8 rounds of about 1 minute each.
Rules
- Tag only with a gentle touch on the back or shoulder; no pushing or grabbing clothes.
- No one takes more steps than the wolf says; anyone who sneaks ahead goes back to the home line.
- The home line must be at least 10 feet from any wall so students can slow down safely.
Variations
Easier
The wolf chases by speed-walking only, and the home line is just 10 yards from the den.
Standard
Play with one wolf, a variety of step types and new helpers every round.
Harder
The wolf can try to trick students with "Snack time!" or "Dinnertime!", and students only run on "Lunchtime!"
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can be the wolf and tag by pointing from their spot, or their home line is moved closer.
- Deaf or hard of hearing: the wolf shows the time with their fingers and raises both arms while shouting "Lunchtime!"
- Fitness level: faster students start 2 yards farther back, and anyone who needs a break can be the "clock" next to the wolf.
Learning goals
- React quickly to a specific verbal cue.
- Adjust the type and length of each step to the instructions given.
- Follow the safe-tagging rule with no pushing.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Play the wolf yourself for the first rounds to control the chase and prevent collisions at the home line.
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