TAG -- You're It!

Tag is one of the most popular games among children,

especially preschoolers.  Here are several variations of

tag your children are sure to love!

Red Light, Green Light

One player is IT and stands a far distance from the rest of the players. With his or her back turned, IT calls out "Green Light" and all the players rush forward.  When IT yells "Red Light" all the players must freeze.  IT turns around.  Anyone IT catches moving must go back to the start line.  The game continues until someone tags IT.

Cartoon Tag

One player is IT and chases around all the other players.  When players are tagged, they must call out the name of a cartoon character.  IF they can't think of one fast enough or call out a name already used, then they are IT.

What Time is it Mr. Wolf?

One player is the wolf and stands with his or her back to the other players.  The remaining players stand at the start line, about 15 metres away.  The players call out "What time is it Mr. Wolf?" and the wolf turns to them and responds with a time (for example, 5:00).  Players then take steps towards the wolf based on the time (in this case, 5 steps).  The wolf turns around again and the players repeat the question.  The game continues until the wolf decides to yell "Supper Time" at which point the wolf spins around and chases all the players back to the start.  The first person caught becomes the next wolf.

Chain Link

This time, two players are IT.  They hold hands and chase all the other players, but can only tag them with one of their free hands.  Each tagged player joins hands with the IT players.  Only the players at the end of the chain can tag people.  As the game progresses, the chain gets larger and larger and harder to control.  The game ends when everyone is tagged.

Shadow Tag

Perfect for sunny days - in winter or summer!  The person who is IT chases everyone ele's shadow. When IT successfully steps on someones shadow, that person becomes the next IT.

                                                                         Slippery Slide

                                                                         Make your very own slippery                                                                          slide!  Purchase a large roll of                                                                          heavy plastic from a hardware                                                                          store - at least 4' wide and about                                                                          12' long.  Find a large enough                                                                          area to accomodate the length of                                                                          the slide, plus some running                                                                          room.  Rake the area of debris.                                                                           Roll the plastic out and spray the entire surface with water.  You can even add a few drops of non-toxic soap to make it super slippery.  Standing 2' - 3' from the front of the slide, children run towards it and then dive on it to see how far they can slide. 

(Keep the slide wet by placing the running hose on slide, so that the water is flowing in the same direction the kids are sliding.)

Sprinkler Statues

Set up a sprinkler in your garden, but don't turn it on.  Have children stand within the perimeter of the sprinkler's reach.  Players then dance, jump, hop, etc. around the sprinkler's area.  When the sprinkler is turned on, they must freeze in place.  Anyone who moves is out.  When the sprinkler is turned off, players start moving again.  The game continues until one person is left standing.

Outdoor Nature Activities

Children love exploring nature, so here are some fun

nature oriented activities to help encourage your

child's explorations on your next outing.

Nature Treasure Walk

Before setting out, use a notebook to make a list of colours or shapes for your child to find, such as:  5 things that are orange, 3 triangles, etc.  As you hike, have your child record in the notebook every time he or she finds an item.  When you get home review what they've seen.  Note:  for non-readers, use images and icons to make the list and have children draw pictures of the things they find.

Photo Stories

Next time you go on a hike or spend the day at the park or museum, give your children their very own camera to document what they see.  After printing the photos, have them create a photo story about the experience by arranging photos on Bristol board.

Camouflage and Seek

Have children cover their eyes.  Spread a package of multi-coloured pipe cleaners along the ground within a designated play area.  Next, ask children to uncover their eyes and give them two minutes to collect as many pipe cleaners as possible.  While bright pipe-cleaners are highly visible, the earth-toned ones are less likely to be found.  Use this opportunity to each children all about how animals use camouflage to protect themselves.

Senses Walk

Use a bandana or scarf to blindfold your budding naturalists and then carefully guide them through your backyard, a local park or on a hike.  Encourage them to use their other senses to experience the trip.  Guide them towards trees and have them touch the bark, leaves and branches.  What do they feel like?  Have them stand still and listen.  What sounds can they identify?  What do they smell?  Now switch places and let your child guide you!