The suspense of Red light, Green Light has made it a favorite for years. It 's best to play this game outdoors in an open area, but it's possible to play indoors-if you have lots of space!
Object: To be the first one to tag the Police Officer without getting caught
Players Needed: 3 or more
Material Needed:
• A large Playing area
• Chalk or 2 long lengths of rope
HOW TO PLAY
Before the game, draw two parallel chalk lines or lay two ropes a good distance apart on the play area. Make sure there is plenty of space for the kids to run around between the chalk lines or ropes (twenty feet is a good minimum distance). Choose one player to be the Police Officer and have him stand in front of one line. All of the other players stand behind the opposite line.
The game starts with the Police Officer facing the other players. He turns his back to the other players and yells, "Green Light!" Then he counts to five out loud as quickly as he can. The other players must run or walk quickly toward the Police Officer while he counts. When the Police Officer has counted to five. he shouts, "Red Light!" and the players must freeze instantly.
The Police Officer whirls around to catch any players who are moving . Anyone who moves must return to the starting line . Play continues until one of the players crosses the line while the Police Officer's back is turned. That player then becomes th e Police Officer.
CREATIVE OPTIONS
- Provide the kids with a special prop, such as a hat shirt or jacket when it's their turn to be the Police Officer. This makes it seem a little more official. A plastic "police" whistle is a fun prop, and the kids can use it instead of shouting the stop and go commands (give one to each child to prevent spreading germs).
- Have the Police Officer wave a scarf (or other light material item) in the air to make the other players move and drop it down when he wants everyone to freeze. This version is good when the game is being played indoors
because it's a little quieter.
- Make the kids do something silly when they get caught by the Police Officer such as hop, zoom like a car, or make animal sounds as they're going back to the line.
PRIZES AND FAVORS
• Let the kids keep their whistles or other props after they've been the Police Officer.
• Offer each player a book or coloring book about traffic signs, or make some homemade stop signs from red construction paper for the kids to play with at home.
• Pass out small red and green flashlights.
TROUBLE-SHOOTING TIPS
- Make sure that everyone gets a turn to be the Police Officer. If a player wins twice, have him pick another player so everyone has a chance to lead the group.
- Supervise the game to see that everyone plays fair. Some kids will cross the line at all costs and may need a little extra guidance so they don't gang up on the Police Officer.
- Choose a play area that's clear so the kids won't trip over the rope or run into anything.
