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