Encourage the use of active listening skills, the ability to follow instructions, and participation in physical activity.
Materials
- Rubber chicken or similar item that can be thrown
Framing
Organize your group into pairs and give each pair a number starting with 1 and counting upwards. Send each half of each pair to opposite side of the activity space. They are on opposing teams.
Instructions
- The facilitator will throw the ‘chicken’ into the center of the activity space and call out a number.
- The two participants whose numbers have been called, must race to the centre of the activity space and attempt to snatch the chicken before the other child does.
- The child who manages to grab the chicken must run it back to their side in order to obtain a point for their team. The child who does not grab the chicken must do his/her best to tag the other child before they bring the chicken to their side and if they are successful in tagging them, no point is awarded to either team.
- Continue playing rounds until every number has gone at least once.
Modify
- Try calling more than one number and tossing more than one chicken.
- Consider awarding points for cheering and positive encouragement.
Safety
- Reinforce physical safety as participants rush in to retrieve the chicken as there is a potential for them to bump heads or injure themselves another way.
Wrap-up
Reconvene and consider bring down the energy level of your group with a calming activity or short reflection.
Submitted by Osgoode Youth Association.