Scorpion, Bird & Everybody "It" Tag

Skill: Catch, Run, Throw
Time Required: 20
Activity Type: Physical
Group Size: Large Group, Medium Group, Small Group
Age Group: 6 - 9yrs, 9 - 12yrs
Play area: Gymnasium (large indoor space), Outdoor - Field
Safety Considerations: Inform participants that a tag is a touch not a push or grab. Clearly define areas of the body that can be tagged (e.g. arms, back). Remind participants to be cautious when moving and to be aware of the personal space of others.
Equipment: Audio equipment and music (optional)
4 pylons (or alternative)
5 rubber chickens(optional)
"It" markers (e.g., pinnies)
Objective:
For participants to play and participate in the tag activities.
Other Skills:
Endurance
Coordination
Speed
Cooperation
Set up:
Use 4 pylons to identify line A and line B, about 5 – 10 metres apart.
Step by Step:
Warm Up

1. Have participants face a partner, march in place behind line A and play Rock Paper Scissors (RPS). They jump twice as they say, "Rock, Paper, Scissors". On "Scissors", they strike one of three poses; ROCK-crouch down, PAPER-stand, legs apart, arms stretched to the sides, SCISSORS stand with arms stretched up high, ankles and wrists crossed.
2. Each pose conquers one other. Paper covers rock, scissors cut paper and rock breaks scissors.
3. Each time they play, the winner jogs in place while the other participant speed-walks to line B and back.
4. Participants continue to play RPS with a different partner each time.

Steps

Activity 1: Scorpion Tag - Participants are in groups of 2 or 3 and link by holding the shoulders of the person in front of them. They become the "scorpions". Select 3 to 5 participants to be chasers who chase the scorpions. If the chaser tags the scorpion the chaser links on to the end of the scorpion and the participant become the new chaser.

Activity 2: Bird Tag - Designate 2 or 4 players to wear pinnies and be "It". "It" tries to tag other participants. The other participants are safe from "It" if they are holding a chicken. If they are being chased by "It", they can call out, "Bird" to ask to receive a chicken. Participants can hold a chicken for 5 seconds before they must throw the chicken to another participant. Participants learn to be aware of where the other participants are and they learn to work cooperatively to prevent others from being tagged. If tagged, participants should change places with "It." (From Ophea, H&PE Curriculum Support Documents, Intermediate, Appendix B, 2000.)

Activity 3: Everybody It - This tag game can be played as a full group or in small groups of 4 to 6. All participants are "It." On a signal, participants try to tag other players without being tagged themselves. When tagged, participants speed-walk around the perimeter of the playing area until the game is over. This is a fast-paced game. Emphasize fair play and honesty. When only a few participants remain, or after about 1 minute of play, restart the game. Give everyone 5 seconds to find their own space before beginning again.

(From Ophea, H&PE Curriculum Support Documents, Grade 7, 2000.)

Cool down:

1. Have participants face a partner, walk in place and play Rock Paper Scissors (RPS).
2. While they walk in place as they say, "Rock, Paper, Scissors". On "Scissors", they strike one of three poses; ROCK-crouch down, PAPER-stand, legs apart, arms stretched to the sides, SCISSORS-stand with arms stretched up high, ankles and wrists crossed.
3. Each time they play, the winner leads the other participants in a stretch for 15 – 20 seconds.
4. Participants continue to play RPS with a different partner each time.
5. For sample stretches, see Ontario Ministry of Education, Daily Physical Activity in Schools Grades 7-8, Appendix C or www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/teachers/dpa7-8.pdf.
Variations:
It may be challenging for participants who are blind, or those with a mobility impairment to play Everybody It. Consider modifying the rules (e.g., everybody must wear a blindfold, or everybody must play on the ground).

Adaptations (Mobility Impairment):
It may be challenging for participants who are blind, or those with a mobility impairment to play Everybody It. Consider modifying the rules (e.g., everybody must wear a blindfold, or everybody must play on the ground).

Adaptations (Cognitive/Learning Impairment):
Be aware that it may be necesary to spend additional time explaining the rules of Bird Tag to a participant with a cognitive or learning limitation.
Sources: Ophea