Physical Education Catching Lessons and Ideas for Elementary Students

Catching Unit

Catching - Instruction:  I begin our catching unit with each student working individually in their own space with a bean bag.  They are to listen and do what I am doing/telling them to do with their bean bag. See below for “drills”.

Balancing the Bean Bag (Individual Activities)
Allow them to get familiar with using a bean bag by doing some balancing activities. 

Balance bean bag on:
Head
Shoulder
Arm
Foot (raise leg up and down while standing on one foot)
Back side of hand
On stomach while doing the crab walk

After balancing activities, move on to showing them how to toss and catch to themselves, staying in personal space.  Show them tossing at  a LOW level, MEDIUM, and HIGH levels.  Have them practice tossing/catching at each level.  HIGH might not be a good idea for K-1st the first day! 


Basic Drills - Individual
1.  Toss and catch with 2 hands.
2.  Demonstrate and practice tossing and catching at a low level, medium, and high levels.  (with 2 hands)
3.  Toss and catch with your right hand, left hand is behind back. (tell students they may toss at a low, medium or high level.....whatever skill level they are at). 
4.  Toss and catch with the left hand. (right hand behind back).
5.  Toss and catch switching hands (right to left).

Individual Stunts
1.  Toss/Clap/Catch (toss at a low level for one clap, and medium and higher for more claps)
2.  Toss/Kneel/Catch then Toss/Stand/Catch
3.  Toss/Spin Around/Catch
4.  Toss/do a pretend action/ Catch (ex. brushing teeth, swinging a bat,  doing a jumping jack, shooting a basketball, dancing, etc.)
5.  Toss behind back and catch
6.  Toss under leg and catch
7.  Place on instep and balance it, then lift leg to toss it, and catch.
8.  Freestyle (allow students to get creative and make up their own stunts).  Remind them the most important part of the stunt is that they can CATCH it!
After individual practice, explain how they will practice with a partner.  I only use an UNDERHAND TOSS while they work with partners.  I show them how to do a “TICK/TOCK TOSS” which means their arm swings like an arm on a clock.  Stress the importance of a good toss so your partner can catch it. 



Videos of stunts - toss-clap-catch


Stunt - toss-dance-catch (student misses the catch, but I liked his creativeness!)


Stunt - toss-kneel-catch


Stunt -toss-pretend action (yoga)-catch




Teaching Points: things to remind students about what they do while they catch. 

1.  Ready hands (both hands are out, ready for a catch). Ready hands tells your partner you are ready to catch!

2.  Giving:  means you absorb the ball/object while you catch it

3.  If ball is above your head = put your thumbs together and Below head = pinkies together

4.  Don’t trap ball against your body to catch it. 



Partner toss and catching practice: with a bean bag
Start close to your partner and step back with every successful catch OR set different criteria (must catch 6 to take a step back. If it is dropped, step closer.  aka.  “6 and step”) 

Video of tossing and catching with a partner:


After a couple of minutes, tell them to count with their partners how many times they can catch it without dropping it.  Next have them count by 2s, 5s, 10s, etc.  OR have them say the letters of the alphabet while they catch. 

Partner: tossing/catching stunts
If they are ready for something more advanced, show them some partner stunts. 

Around back
Sit and toss
Jump and toss
2 bean bag toss


Games: search pecentral.org for these games:

6 and switch = Place 12-15 small boxes around perimeter of gym.  Each box has 2-3 objects in it.  Each box has a different object to catch with (balls, rubber animals, bean bags, foam fruits and veggies, etc.).  Players catch 6 times at a box and then switch to a different box.  Rules = no more than 2-3 players at each box at a time, if you drop one it doesn’t count.  May do stunts or make a rule of if you drop one start counting all over again. 

Notes:  I have them do this individually the first day and then play with partners the next time.  (after quickly reviewing and practicing the underhand toss with a partner).

Video of Six and Switch: (students playing individually)


Video of Six and Switch with partners:


Games we played this year (2010):
Bean Bag Battle
Catch 100
Goalie Game
Catching Animals

Didn’t have time for these, but sounded good:
Freezamania
Two Pass Catching
Hot Potato Tag
Throw and Catch Medley
Indoor Snowball

Assessment:
Observe students as they are practicing drills and playing games.  Play catch with students during the games or drills for an individual test.

P.E. Tag Games for Elementary Students - Complete List of Games

Here is a list of all the fun, creative tag games that are on my blog.


Bean Bag Tag
Stop and Go Tag
Trick or Treat Tag
Hide and Seek Trick or Treat Tag
Favorite Tag
Thanksgiving Tag
Reindeer Tag
Candy Cane Tag
Christmas Tree Tag
Santa and Mrs. Claus
Tribes Tag
Corn Maze/Haunted House Tag
Fruit and Veggie Tag

No Shoes "Worksheet"

After six years of teaching P.E. class, I have finally come up with a fabulous idea for what to do with students who don't have their gym shoes!  I know, why did it take me so long?  I created a "No Shoes Worksheet".  If a student comes to P.E. without proper shoes I give them a worksheet, a pencil, a pedometer and a stopwatch.  They go in the corner of the gym and complete the work sheet.  It involves marching/jogging in place and a variety of exercises.  No sitting around in my gym....and NO EXCUSES not to participate! 

Note: I use this worksheet with 2nd-5th graders. For younger students, I have them wear the pedometer and march/jog in place. Every few minutes when I have time, I check on them and record the number of steps for them. After about 10 minutes I will ask them if they need a break, or tell them to do some stretches.

No Shoes Worksheet

1.       Put on the pedometer.  March/jog in place.  Write down the number of steps you have after these times:

1 minute = __________

3 minutes = _________

5 minutes = _________

2.       Do these exercises:

·        Arm Scissors = 30 seconds

·        Arm Circles = 30 seconds

·        Butterfly Stretch = 30 seconds

·        Sit and Reach = 30 seconds

·        Jumping Jacks = 30

·        Windmills = 10

·        Push-Ups = 10

3.       How many steps are on your pedometer now? _________

4.       Use the stopwatch or clock as a timer.  March or jog in place.  Record your steps after these times:

1 minute = ________

3 minutes = _______

5 minutes = _______

5.       Do these exercises:

·        Knee Raises = 30

·        Crab Kicks = 30

·        Scissor Kicks = 20 each leg

·        ABC Push-Ups

·        Jumping Jacks = 30

·        Mountain Climbers = 10

·        Sit-Ups = 30

6.       How many steps are on the pedometer? ________

7.       Continue to march/jog in place until class is over. Record your total steps in the box below. 

8.       Next week please bring your gym shoes so you can participate with the class! 

Video of 5th graders doing the No Shoes Worksheet:

Haunted House/Corn Maze Tag

Haunted House Tag
OR Corn Maze Tag

I like to play this game in late October when some students may have already visited the pumpkin patch, corn maze,  or a haunted house with their friends/family. 

Tell students we have set up a pretend haunted house(s) (or corn maze).  It is not scary, but we are pretending that it is scary!  The haunted house can be made of a variety of objects, so just be creative and use what you have. 

Here is how I make my haunted houses (or you may refer to them as corn mazes):

House/Maze #1:  Set up 2 gym mats, standing vertically, side by side.  They should be just wide enough to walk through (like a hallway).  Drape a big bed sheet over the top and sides of the gym mats so it is enclosed.  Students will have to walk through this house.

House/Maze #2:  Set up one gym mat laying down on the floor.  Put an expandable tunnel on top of it.  Line the sides of it with small cones so it doesn’t roll.  Tape streamers or ribbon from one end or both ends so you can’t see through the exit of the tunnel (optional).  Students will crawl through this house.

House/Maze #3:  Use your largest cones and foam cross bars to set up a small tent.  Drape a bed sheet over the top and sides.  Students will have to crawl through this house. 
  
Equipment Needed:
3 black or orange yarn balls
1-3 Haunted Houses/Corn Mazes (see above for ideas)
Halloween music (optional)

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  Rotate taggers every round.

To begin the game, select 3 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the yarn balls with them and use them for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space.  When everyone yells “HAPPY HALLOWEEN” the game begins.

If a player is tagged, they must go through ONE of the haunted houses/or corn mazes to re-enter the game.  

Note:  Taggers may not “babysit” the exit of the haunted houses and just re-tag players immediately.

Christmas Candy Cane Tag

Candy Cane Tag

I like to play this game after 2-3 rounds of “Christmas Tree Tag”.  Begin by asking students what they put ON their Christmas trees at home?  (Lights, ornaments, tinsel, candy canes, etc.)  Discuss the flavors of candy canes they like to eat. (There are so many flavors now days!) 

Ask them if they can make their body shaped like a candy cane.  (Stand tall and straight, put your arms up and curl your wrists over). Tell them in this game they will pretend to be their favorite flavors of candy canes!  

Equipment Needed:
2 Red  and 2 green yarn balls
Christmas music (optional)

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  Rotate taggers every round.

To begin the game, select 4 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the yarn balls with them and use them for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space.  When everyone yells “ CANDY CANES” the game begins.

If a player is tagged, they turn into a candy cane.   (Stand tall and straight, put your arms up and curl your wrists over).  For a player to be untagged, another player has to run around them one time. 


Video of 3rd graders playing Candy Cane Tag combined with Christmas Tree Tag. The taggers with a red noodle turn players into candy canes. Taggers with a green ball turn players into trees.




5th graders playing:

Christmas Tree Tag

Christmas Tree Tag

Before teaching children this game, ask them to raise their hands if their family puts up a Christmas tree in December.  Explain how this is a  tradition for some families.  If you want to take it a step further, you could discuss the history of Christmas trees (who invented the idea, etc.) 

Ask children what shape a Christmas tree is (triangular).  Can they stand up and make that shape with their bodies?  (Stand with feet apart, arms above head with hands together).  In this game, they will pretend to be Christmas trees and presents will go under their trees! 

Equipment Needed:
2 Red  and 2 green yarn balls
Christmas music (optional)

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  Rotate taggers every round.

To begin the game, select 4 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the yarn balls with them and use them for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space.  When everyone yells “TREE TAG” the game begins.

If a player is tagged, they turn into a Christmas Tree (standing with feet apart and arms up with hands together above head).   For a player to be untagged, another player has to pretend to be a present and go under the tree (crawl between their legs).   

Video of 3rd graders playing Candy Cane Tag combined with Christmas Tree Tag. The taggers with a red noodle turn players into candy canes. Taggers with a green ball turn players into trees.


2nd graders playing Christmas Tree Tag:


Thursday 5th graders:




Note:  When children are pretending to be “presents going under the tree” they could have the option to tell the “trees” what they are. (Ex. I’m a Barbie doll, a toy truck, a teddy bear, a remote control car, hot wheels, etc. )

Christmas Reindeer Tag

Reindeer Tag

In this game tagged players will turn into reindeer and have to gallop to the north pole.  This is a fun way for children to learn/practice the locomotor skill of galloping! 

Before playing this game, or between rounds, ask students to name Santa’s reindeer.  Make a list on the board and see how many they can get before class is over.       

List of Santa's Eight Reindeer
1.     Dasher        
2.     Dancer        
3.     Prancer        
4.     Vixen        
5.     Comet        
6.     Cupid        
7.     Donner        
8.     Blitzen
** Note:  Rudolph was not one of the original reindeer.  Rudolph was first named in the Christmas song "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer."

Equipment Needed:
3 Red or green yarn balls
1 volleyball pole labeled “North Pole”
Christmas music (optional)

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  Rotate taggers every round.

To begin the game, select 3 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the yarn balls with them and use them for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space.  When everyone yells “Reindeer TAG” the game begins.  Play music during game. 

If a player is tagged, they turn into a reindeer and have to gallop around the north pole.  Tell players to use their hands to make reindeer antlers as they gallop.  After galloping around the north pole they magically turn into a regular person again and may continue playing. 

Note:  Remind taggers they may not throw the ball at players.....just touch players gently to tag them.   If they drop the ball, they lose their magical power to tag until they pick the ball up again.

Video of 3rd graders playing Reindeer Tag:

5th graders playing:

Fruit and Veggie Tag

Fruit and Veggie Tag

Equipment Needed:
3 soft objects used for tagging players (ex. small pieces of pool noodles, yarn balls, or rubber rings)
1 set of foam fruits and vegetables (I got mine from S&S Discount)

The first time I taught this game to a first grade class, I was shocked to discover that some students could not recognize some of the basic fruits and vegetables I had in my box.  They also could not classify each item as a fruit or vegetable.  I saw a great opportunity for a learning experience! 

As an introduction to this game, sit down with your group in a big circle, and take one item out at  a time to show them.  Ask them what the name of it is, and if it’s a fruit or a vegetable (ex.  Apple, fruit).  Pass the items around the circle so each person can feel it and look at it. 

Here is your opportunity to talk about how healthy these foods are.  As you take out a new piece from the box, ask the class to raise their hands if they’ve ever eaten it before.  Ask them if they like it, and/or what is their favorite fruit/vegetable.  Remind them they should eat fruits and vegetables every day! 

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop. 

To begin the game, select 3 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the noodle with them and use it for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space.  Allow each player to choose a fruit or veggie to have.  They must hold  their fruit/veggie in their hands the entire time.

If a player is tagged, they sit down with their legs crossed and wait for another player to help them.  Another player may help a tagged player by trading items with them.   The item that is traded must be different.   For example, if Shana has an apple, Matt may trade his potato with her so that she can stand up and continue playing.  But, a person with an apple may not help Shana.

Notes:
After the first couple rounds, you may change a rule.
Examples: 
Only fruits and trade with other fruits.  
Veggies can only trade with veggies.
No fruits can trade with other fruits.
No veggies can trade with other veggies.

Santa and Mrs. Claus (Christmas Tag Game)

Santa and Mrs. Claus

Equipment Needed:
2-3 soft objects for taggers to tag with (pieces of pool noodles, yarn balls or rubber rings)
1 red scooter
1 green scooter
25 or more bean bags
2 Christmas stockings OR containers (to hold bean bags)
1 box with a picture of a Christmas tree on it

Children LOVE Christmas time!  This game is fun for several reasons.  We use props such as Christmas stockings,  students take turns being Santa or Mrs. Claus, and the players get presents!  This is sure to be a big hit with your elementary students!  

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  Rotate taggers and Santa/Mrs. Claus each round.

To begin the game, select 2-3 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the noodle with them and use it for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space.  Choose one boy and one girl to be Santa/Mrs. Claus.  They ride on the red and green scooters.   Santa and Mrs. Clause ride on the scooters and carry the stocking full of presents (bean bags) in their lap.  To begin the game, everyone yells “MERRY CHRISTMAS”.

If a player is tagged, they sit down and wait for Santa or Mrs. Claus to bring them a present (a bean bag).  When they get their present, the player runs to put the present under the tree (a box with a picture of a Christmas tree on it).  The player may then continue playing. 

Notes:
Remind students to run all the way to the tree and place the present under the tree - do NOT throw the present under the tree!

Tribes Tag

Tribes Tag

This game is a great extension activity for students who are learning about Native American tribes in their classroom.

Equipment Needed:
3 soft objects used for tagging players (ex. small pieces of pool noodles, yarn balls, or rubber rings)
2 pieces of paper with a list of tribe names....see "notes" section below.

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  Rotate taggers every round.

To begin the game, select 3 taggers to begin on the end line.  Choose 2 people to be the “tribe leader or chief”.  Taggers carry the noodle with them and use it for tagging players.   The tribe chiefs will stand in opposite corners of the gym with a list of the tribe names. Players begin in personal space or on the opposite end line.  When everyone yells “TRIBES TAG” the game begins.

If a player is tagged, they go to one of the tribe chiefs and they have to say the name of one Indian tribe.  (Chiefs check the list to be sure the answer is correct)  If a tagged player can not remember the name of a tribe, they must wait for another player to be tagged and listen to their answer. 

Notes:
Below is a list of Michigan Indian Tribes
Fox 
Sauk
Kickapoo
Menominee
Miami
Chippewa (OJIBWE)
Potawatomi
Huron 
Ottawa

Thanksgiving Tag

Thanksgiving Tag

I believe it is important to take time to think about all the blessings we have in our lives.....especially around Thanksgiving! Before playing this game, discuss with students what it means to be thankful.  Ask them if they have Thanksgiving Day family traditions they'd like to share with the group, or ask them to name something they are thankful for.  Tell them in this game they will be thinking of LOTS of things they are thankful for, and also sharing their thoughts with friends. 

Equipment Needed:
3 soft objects used for tagging players (ex. small pieces of pool noodles, yarn balls, or rubber rings)

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  Rotate taggers every round.

To begin the game, select 3 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the noodle with them and use it for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space or on opposite end line.  When everyone yells “HAPPY THANKSGIVING” the game begins.

If a player is tagged, they sit down with their legs crossed and think of something they are thankful for.  Another player may help a tagged player by sitting across from them and sharing what they are thankful for.  Once they both have shared, they say “Happy Thanksgiving” and stand up to continue playing.

Example:  Rachel is tagged and sits down.  Cecilia helps Rachel by sitting aross from her and saying, “I am thankful for my friends”.  Rachel says, “I am thankful for food”.  Both say “Happy Thanksgiving”, stand up, and continue playing.

Notes:
You can change the game by allowing tagged players to scoot on the floor to help other tagged players (rather than waiting for a non-tagged player to sit down with them).

For pre-school or kindergarteners, begin the first 2 or 3 games a little bit different - instead of sharing what they are thankful for, just have them sit and say “Happy Thanksgiving” to other players.  Then, stop and talk to the class about what it means to be thankful.  When they can give examples then change the game to be played as listed above.

Favorite Tag

Favorite Tag






Children love to talk about their favorite things.  In this game, students will be thinking of their favorite things, discovering what others favorites are, and learning about classification.   All while getting a lot of exercise!


Equipment Needed:
3 soft objects used for tagging players (ex. small pieces of pool noodles, yarn balls, or rubber rings)

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  Rotate taggers every round.

To begin the game, select 3 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the noodle with them and use it for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space.  For each round of this game, the teacher (or a student) will choose a category of favorite things to share and announce it so everyone knows the category.  When everyone yells “FAVORITE TAG” the game begins.

Examples of categories:
Colors, fruits, vegetables, ice cream flavors, sports, subjects in school, outdoor activities,  books, teachers, board games, toys, etc.

Round 1 = Share the name of your favorite book
Round 2 = Share your favorite color
Round 3  = Share your favorite toy

If a player is tagged, they sit down with their legs crossed and think of their favorite ______(insert whatever was pre-determined by teacher).  Another player may help a tagged player by sitting across from them and sharing their favorite things.  Once they both have shared, they say Thank You and stand up to continue playing.

Example:  Category is favorite ice cream flavor.  Jim is tagged and sits down.  Raina helps Jim by saying “my favorite ice cream flavor is Mint Chocolate Chip.”  Jim says, “my favorite ice cream flavor is Moose Tracks”. Both say “thank you” and continue playing.

Notes:
You can change the game by allowing tagged players to scoot on the floor to help other tagged players (rather than waiting for a non-tagged player to sit down with them).

This is a great icebreaker activity or beginning of school activity to help students get to know each other.

Bean Bag Tag

Bean Bag Tag

This is a great way to teach colors to young children.  Before playing the first game the teacher could hold up each bean bag and have students say what color it is.  If you are using Geo-Shapes, the teacher can hold up a bean bag and the students say what shape it is (circle, square, triangle, rectangle).

Further, you could make a rule that if you are tagged and someone comes to trade with you, the players have to say to each other what color, shape or animal they are trading for.

Equipment Needed:
3 soft objects used for tagging players (ex. small pieces of pool noodles, yarn balls, or rubber rings)
1 bean bag per player (variety of colors)
OR
1 Geo-Bean Bag per player(variety of shapes)
OR
1 Bean Bag Amimal per player (variety of animals)

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop. 

To begin the game, select 3 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the noodle with them and use it for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space.  Give every player a bean bag.  They must hold  the bean bag in their hands the entire time.  If the bean bag is dropped, they must pick it up in order to continue playing.  When everyone yells “BEAN BAG TAG” the game begins.

If a player is tagged, they sit down with their legs crossed and wait for another player to help them.  Another player may help a tagged player by trading bean bags with them.   The bean bag that is traded must be a different color, shape, or animal, depending on what kind of bean bags you use.   For example, if Johnny has a blue bean bag he may trade with someone who has a red bean bag.  But a player with a blue bean bag may not help Johnny. 

Stop and Go Tag

Stop

and

Go

Tag

This is a quick, easy to understand game that can be taught to any grade level.  I like to keep track of who has had a turn to be a "stopper" and a "go" person so that anytime we play throughout the year we will have someone new.  

Equipment Needed:
3 red yarn balls
3-5 green scooters

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop. 

To begin game, select 3 taggers (“stoppers”)and 3-5 “go” people.  Taggers begin at one end line and hold a red ball.  “Go” people ride on green scooters and start on the opposite end line.  Players begin in personal space.

If the “stoppers” touch a player with the red ball the player has to STOP and KNEEL on the floor.  The “go” people ride on the green scooters.  They will ride around the gym and help the people who are kneeling.  If a player is touched by the “go” person, they may stand up and continue playing.

Stoppers may not tag “go” people and vice versa. 

Notes:  Remind players about scooter safety = only ride on your belly, bottom or knees.  Do not stand on the scooter or run and jump on it.

If scooters are not available, give the "go" people a green jersey to wear, or a small green object to carry such as a green foam ball, green rubber ring, etc.  

Hide and Seek - Trick or Treat Tag

Hide and Seek

Trick or Treat

Tag

This game is the SAME as Trick or Treat Tag but with the option for players to HIDE and SEEK!  In my years of teaching P.E. I noticed that sometimes kids would try to hide while we play tag.  They would curl up in a corner or behind a box of equipment I had laying out.  Then others would tattle on them for trying to hide.  Therefore, I decided to PROVIDE hiding spots for them and it turned out to be a big hit! 

Please read the Trick or Treat Tag post for rules of the game. 

Additional Equipment Needed: 
2-4 gym mats

Explanation of Game:
Set the gym mats standing UP throughout the playing area.  Bend them so they can stand sturdy without falling over.  Players may hide behind a mat for a maximum of 10 seconds.  Players may STILL BE TAGGED while hiding!  Taggers may also hide behind a mat to fool players.

Notes:
I tell students to be careful not to run into mats or touch them while hiding.  If a mat falls over, I take it down and they will not play with it anymore.  This rule eliminates the temptation for players to be goofy and crash into the mats.

This video shows students playing hide and seek tag with the mats.

Trick or Treat Tag

Trick

or

Treat

Tag

Video of this game with written instructions below: Videos show what tagged player do.





As soon as October rolls around I hear children talking about what they will be dressing up for on Halloween.  In this game, children can pretend they are dressed up and going trick or treating!  But, this is a much healthier option. We are trick or treating for EXERCISES.....and they love it!

Equipment Needed:
3  soft objects for taggers to carry and tag people with (I use 1 foot pieces of a pool noodle, yarn balls, OR rubber rings)
3 Halloween baskets or bags
At least 5 foam dice per basket (15 total)
Halloween music (optional)

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  If a player is tagged, they have to "trick or treat" at a "house",  then they may continue to play.

To begin game, select 3 taggers and 3 people to be the "houses".  Taggers begin at one end line.  The "houses" hold the basket of foam dice anywhere along the perimeter of the gym.  Other players begin in free space or on the opposite end line.  The teacher calls out an exercise that will be used when trick or treating (ex. jumping jacks).  When every yells "TRICK OR TREAT", the game begins.

If a player is tagged, they go to a "house" and say "trick or treat".  The "house" person gives the player a dice (a "piece of candy").  The player rolls it on the floor and has to do the number of a given exercise (jumping jacks).  After doing the exercise, they put the dice back in the basket, say "thank you" and continue playing.

Notes: 
Play 2-3 minute games, then stop and choose new taggers and new "houses".  Play Halloween music while students play!  For each new game, call out a different exercise for players to do.  Examples:  Jumping Jacks, Windmills, Sit-Ups, Push-Ups, Mountain Climbers, Leg Lifts, Arm Circles, etc. 

Instead of using foam dice, you could fill the baskets with exercise task cards.

I like to remind students the importance of using good manners and saying "thank you" after trick or treating!

Encourage students to visit a different house each time they are tagged.