Bedlam

OBJECT - Make it from corner to corner.

GAME TYPE - Racing game and/or elimination game.

WHO'S IT FOR - Group Two. You need at least four, but really, the optimal number would be twelve or more to make it true bedlam.

WHAT YOU NEED - A large square or rectangular space with clearly defined border. Also, a stopwatch or timer of some sort.

HOW TO PLAY:

1. Have the players stand in different corners of the playing area. There should be an equal number, or close to it, in each corner.
2. On the word "GO", all players have ten seconds to race from one corner to the opposite corner, meaning all players will meet in the middle and create bedlam.
3. Everyone who makes it to their corner within the time period gets one point.
4. On the next run, give them nine seconds. Then eight, then seven, etc. You can go as low as you want.
5. When you reach a point where no one can make the opposite corner in the time period, the game is over. Add up the points to determine the winner.

For an alternate, more competitive game, put two flags on each person's waist. Give a ten second time limit for all rounds. Players still cross the square and must end up in the opposite corner. They can grab other player's flags in the middle, but must be in the correct corner within the time limit. Any player who loses both flags or does not make it to their corner in time is out. Redistribute the players so the number in each corner is close to equal. The last one standing wins.

THIS WORKS ON - Competition (racing against others), time management (getting to corner in time), spatial awareness (knowing where you are, the space you have to get to, and obstacles that must be avoided).

Fox and Geese

OBJECT - As the fox, catch the geese. As the geese, avoid the fox.

GAME TYPE - Tag game.

WHO'S IT FOR - Group Two. You don't want to have too many people playing this game, probably make six the limit.

WHAT YOU NEED - Sidewalk chalk and a big enough concrete area to use.

HOW TO PLAY:

1. Draw a large circle on the concrete. Next, divide it into eight sections, creating pie wedges.
2. Select one player to be the fox. The rest are geese.
3. The fox is going to try to catch the geese. The catch of this game is that the fox and the geese may only run on the lines of the circle and that divide the circle.
4. Without leaving the chalk line, players must run around the circle. The fox tries to tag the geese. If a goose is tagged, they're out.
5. Because no one can leave the lines, playetrs must be very aware of where everyone else is to avoid collisions. Because everyone is on the lines, no one can pass anyone else.
6. The last goose to avoid being tagged becomes the fox in the next round.

Everyone really needs to be careful with this game. Be sure you draw the circle very large to give everyone room to run, and make sure everyone is watching where they're going.

THIS WORKS ON - Competition (trying to avoid the tag, or trying to tag other players), following directions (staying on the chalk line), spatial awareness (knowing where everyone is in the space provided)