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Run around the Teepees
Subject: Physical Education
(This idea was contributed by Karin Ayres)
Age Range: 5 to 11

This is a fun, partner game / warm-up activity which can be played with the whole class. It's best played on grass if possible or a soft surface, although, I have played this in our hall successfully.

Children find a partner. Then make a circle. One is the Indian and sits on the ground, cross legged. The other is the teepee and stands behind their partner with their legs open.
To play, blow a whistle or ring a bell and tell the children which way round the circle they will be running. I usually point the way as the game starts.

The 'Indians' have to go into their teepees (through their partner's legs) and run as fast as they can around the outside of the circle back to their teepee and enter through their partners legs again and sit down cross legged. No one is allowed to push and overtaking must be around the outside of slower runners. This game is particularly popular with boys!!!

When they have had 2 goes, swap over. This is a firm favourite with my class. An idea I saw used on a PGL weekend with school a few years ago.

A visitor has explained...

I usually also call out 'teepees'; the teepees must run around the circle and back to their spot. This creates excitement as the children don't know what you will call out! Again, swap roles after a few turns.


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