Squirrel in Trees

Players stand in groups of three—­two facing one another with hands joined to form hollow trees, and the third within the tree hollow to represent the squirrel.  There is also one odd squirrel outside the tree.  The teacher or leader claps her hands, when all squirrels must run for other trees, and the odd squirrel tries to secure a tree, the one left out being the odd squirrel the next time.  Players’ positions may be reversed frequently to give all an equal chance to be squirrels.

Shadow Tag

This game is similar to ordinary tag, with the exception that “It” endeavors to touch or step on the shadow of one of the players.  Succeeding in doing this, that player becomes “It”.

Handkerchief Tag

A player is selected to be “It”.  A knotted handkerchief is given to the rest of the players.  “It” can only tag the player holding the handkerchief in his hands.  The players endeavor to get rid of the handkerchief by throwing it from one to another.  Should the handkerchief fall upon the ground, there is no one for “It” to tag until it has been picked up by one of the players.

Puss in Corner

The players are distributed about the playing area, and given goals, such as trees, fence and building corners, etc.  One player is selected to be “It”.  The other players endeavor to change places.  “It” can either tag one of the players who is off his corner, on goal, or step into the goal vacated by one of the players.  In the first case, the player tagged becomes “It”; in the second, the player left without a goal becomes “It”.

Back to Back

This is a tag game in which “It” may tag anyone who is not back to back with one other player.

Peggy in Ring

A blindfolded player takes his place in the center of the group which has joined hands, forming a ring.  The ring begins to dance around in a circle until “Peggy”, who is blindfolded in the centre, pounds three times with a stick upon the ground or floor.  This is the signal for everyone to stand still.  “Peggy” then holds out the stick to some one in the circle.  The one nearest to it must grasp the end.  “Peggy” then asks the one at the other end three questions.  The questions may be answered by grunts or groans and “Peggy” endeavors to guess who is thus answering the questions.  Succeeding, the one questioned takes “Peggy’s” place in the center of the circle and the game proceeds.

CHAPTER V

SCHOOLYARD GAMES

For Intermediate Pupils

Link Race