REP Game: Giants, Wizards, & Elves
One of our Recess Enhancement Program’s (REP) favorite outdoor games is Giants, Wizards, & Elves. A fun twist on the classic game of tag, this activity challenges your child’s decision-making skills, coordination, and teamwork.
ready
Who: Grades 3 to 5
Players: 10+
Set-up: Rectangle boundary
Time: 15+ minutes
Where: Large playground
Equipment: None
EXPLAIN
1. Line up! We are going to make two teams.
2. These are the rules:
- “Giants” beat “Elves” by holding their arms straight up in the air.
- “Elves” beat “Wizards” by touching the top of their ears with their pointer fingers.
- “Wizards” beat “Giants” by holding their arms straight out in front of them.
3. Both teams huddle on opposite end lines and pick one of the three characters to be.
4. Both teams meet in the middle standing across from each other.
5. On the count of three, teams reveal their characters. The winning team will become taggers and chase the other team back to their line.
6. If players are tagged before reaching the line, they join the other team.
CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING
Who do “Elves” beat? What do you do when you’re tagged?
PLAY: REP IT OUT
EASY:Practice the motions first.
MEDIUM: Hop instead of run.
HARD: Crab-walk instead of run.
TIPS
GAME TIP: Keep playing until everyone is on one team.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION TIP: Have students high-five each other. Re-huddle if both teams pick the same character.
OUTDOOR TIP: Switch to skipping to lower the energy of the game.
