Sharks and Minnows

Bring Play To Your City

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Group Size: 
Large group (10 or more)
Age Group: 
Pre K/K
Age Group: 
Grades 1-2
Age Group: 
Grades 3-5
Length of Activity: 
10 minutes or more
Developmental Goal: 
To develop listening skills and a sense of boundaries.
Equipment: 
None
Before You Start: 
  • Explain to players that the shark(s) will say "Fishy, fishy come out and play," and all minnows will begin walking across the play are.
  • Be sure all players know minnows will run to the other side when the shark(s) says "Shark Attack"!
  • Remind all players to be aware of their surroundings so that they do not run into others.
  • Remind players that all taggers will use safe 'butterfly tags'.
Set Up: 
Set up a clearly designated rectangular play area with visible boundaries.
How To Play: 
  • Identify who will be the shark(s), either a player or the leader. Eeveryone else will be minnows.
  • The shark stands in the middle of the play area and say “Fishy, fishy, come out and play.” The minnows slowly walk towards the sharks.
  • At any time, the shark can yell “Shark Attack!” At with point, the minnows must run to the opposite boundary line without being tagged.
  • If a minnow is tagged, s/he also becomes a shark.
  • When there is only one or two minnows left; they become the sharks in the next round.
Variations: 
  • Another option is to have minnows run back to the starting line when “Shark Attack” is called.
  • You can choose different predators and preys.
  • Change the consequences for getting tagged, e.g.,
    • If you get tagged on the first attempt to get to the other side, you become a shark.
    • On all following attempts, if you are you become seaweed and you cannot move your feet, but can still tag.

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