The Maze Game

  1. Cooperative Games
  • Any Size

  • Grades 1-2

  • No equipment needed

  • 10 minutes or more

Development Goal

To develop strategic thinking.

Before You Start

  • Number players from one up.
  • Remind everyone that this is a silent game and the must remain silent for the entire time.
  • Tell the group there is a hidden path from the start to the end of the maze.

 

Set Up

Create a 5×5 (or larger) grid for the maze with designated start and end squares. On a small piece of paper, create a map of the correct path the group must travel that only the leader will be able to see.

How to Play

  • As a group, their goal is to find the secret path and get everyone from the start point to end.
  • Students take turns according to their number and they each get a chance to guess where the path is.
  • When it is their turn, they will step into the maze at the start and begin to choose an adjacent square – either forward, to the side or diagonal to the one they are standing on.
  • The player may look to his/her classmates for help.
  • The others may signal silently, such as: signal yes by giving a thumbs up, signal maybe by giving thumbs in the middle, and signal no by giving a thumbs down.
  • If the square the student has stepped into is on the path, let them know by saying “Yes.” If it is a square that is not on the path, tell them “No.” Or use silent signals, too.
  • Players continue their turn if they are right.
  • Once they step into an incorrect square, it is the next person’s turn.
  • As they begin to discover the path, they can mark it with markers to help the rest of the group.
  • Once they have uncovered the secret path each person needs to go through from start to end, while everyone continues to remain silent.

Variations

  • Squares can be repeated in the course of the path.
  • Do not inform students of the markers, just have them by the side of the maze and see if they notice.
  • Let students make up their own silent signals instead of using the thumb method.
  • Challenge students by not letting them use facial expressions.