Scary Square
The goal of this game is for students to swap places with their teammates without allowing the witch to steal their spot in the haunted house.
Grades k-2
4-8 years old
15-minutes
Small groups
5 children per group
Open space
(indoor or outdoor)
Cones
Skills in Action
Single-leg balance
- I start by holding the ball near my chest, fingers spread out on the side of the ball, thumbs pointing up.
- To pass the ball, I step with one foot forward towards my target.
- I extend my arms away from my chest as I step forward and push the ball towards the ground about ⅔ of the way to my target.
- I flick my wrists so that my thumbs point down and my palms face out.
Catching with two hands
- I look at the ball.
- I extend my arms towards the ball.
- I keep my hands close together, fingers spread.
- I bring the ball to my body.
How to Play
Gameplay
- Divide your group into teams of 5.
- Each team places 4 cones in the shape of a haunted house (i.e. in a square), with about 3 meters between each cone.
- One child is selected as the witch and stands in the middle of the haunted house.
- The other children are monsters. Each monster stands in a corner of the haunted house next to a cone.
- To begin, monsters and the witch [all] hold a single-leg balance pose.
- On your signal, the monsters swap corners with another monster without the witch stealing their place.
- When they arrive at a new corner, they return to a single-leg balance pose.
- If the witch succeeds in taking a monster’s place, that monster then becomes the witch.
- After a few minutes, mix up the teams and start again.
Variations
- Increase or decrease the distance between each cone.
- Vary how children move (galloping, skipping, etc.) from cone to cone.
- The witch can decide when the children can move.
Looking for fresh inspiration to ignite your students' passion for physical activity?
Our resources for physical education teachers include various tools, lesson plans, and activities to support the development of physical literacy for your students in grades K-6.
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