After learning and discussing respecting diversity the week before, we moved onto our next value of responsibility. We were lucky that the rain broke for us and gave us a wonderful warm, sunny
afternoon to play a new game of tag. Better yet, we were able to
include our grade twos, allowing us to have enough kids to run two separate
games at the same time.
To start the game, we divide the kids into smaller groups of
three. In each group the kids were assigned the task of either being a tree or
a squirrel. Each group would have two
trees and one squirrel. One of the groups was chosen to be foxes. If there were
any kids who could not be in a group of three, they were also assigned to be
the foxes to start the game. The role for each character is as follows:
Foxes – Using a pinny to indicate who they are, the foxes
must tag a squirrel when they are outside of a tree. If a fox successfully tags
a squirrel, the two trade roles and the fox gives their pinny to the squirrel.
Squirrels – Must avoid being tagged by foxes. Squirrels
cannot be tagged by foxes when they are standing in a “tree”, as they are safe.
When squirrels hear the phrase, “Squirrels go for a walk,” they must leave
their tree and run to another one.
Trees – Two kids stand together holding hands to create a
circle, which a squirrel can stand in. Trees must protect the squirrels, and
can move around the play area to do so.
Once the rules were explained the games begun. We played
three rounds total, and each kid was able to be a tree twice, and a squirrel
once.
After we had finished our rounds, the kids gathered up and
we had a discussion about the games. In one group’s discussion we learned which
kids liked or disliked the game and why. A lot of kids emphasized the fact that
they liked that they were able to play all the roles of the game, and sometimes
in tag they were not able to do that. As well, many of our children agreed that
they enjoyed saving the squirrels and making them feel safe. We also discussed
different areas where the kids felt safe in theirs lives; some kids mentioned
their homes and families, others said their friends, and some mentioned their
beds and under their blankets. We asked the kids to think about where they felt
safe and the feeling that they had during the game or in those places. Then we
asked them to think of ways in which they could help others feel safe. We were
given answers such as asking someone who is feeling unsafe to play with him or
her, or even just sitting next to them and comforting them.
The other group led their game down a slightly different
path. They eventually eliminated all of their trees and discussed how without
having that safe space to go, the world would likely become chaotic and
extremely tiring for those living in it. This led one child to acknowledge that
if everyone was more helpful, and we all felt responsible for each other, it
would solve many of the world’s problems.
Not only did this activity lead to awesome discussions, it gave
us a new game to play that many of the kids enjoyed!
Thanks,
Katie
