REP Game: Streets & Alleys

Recess is the perfect time for kids to burn off energy, practice listening skills, and build confidence through playful challenges. Streets & Alleys is a fast-paced game of chase where the whole group becomes a living maze, shifting from streets to alleys on the coach’s call while a “tagger” and “runner” race through the grid.

READY

Who: Grades 3 to 5

Players: 10 +

Set-up: Students form a grid

Time: 10+ minutes

Where: Small playground

Equipment: None

EXPLAIN

1. Players line up in a grid (4×4 / 5×5 / 6×6) holding hands. Outside the grid, the coach picks one player to be the “tagger” and one to be the “runner”.
2. The “tagger” must chase the “runner”, trying to tag them with 2 fingers throughout the grid.
3. Players in the grid will hear the following commands:
   • “STREETS”: players turn to the right to form the “street”
   • “ALLEYS”: players turn back to form an alley
4. The “tagger” and “runner” cannot pass beneath, over, or through the players holding hands.
5. If the “runner” is tagged, switch roles, then restart the game.

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

• What do you do if “STREETS” is called? What do you do if “ALLEYS” is called?
• Can the “tagger” or “runner” go under, over, or through people holding hands?

PLAY: REP IT OUT

EASY: Power walk.

MEDIUM: Run.

HARD: Have 2 “taggers” and 1 “runner”.

TIPS

GAME TIP: Demonstrate the game before starting. Have the coach be the “caller”.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION TIP: Set time limits.

OUTDOOR TIP: Create smaller grids.