Streets and Alleys
contributed by Ann
Mosconi
| This is a game for a larger group of children - twelve or more. All the children but two arrange themselves into a grid formation, all facing the same direction. The ideal pattern would be an equal number per row and column (namely, a square number) but if there is some other number of children, the extras are placed at the end of any row or column. Usually the person in the center is designated as the "caller". The function of the caller is to change the orientation of the entire grid. All the children hold their arms out to the sides so their hands are touching each others'. This forms several rows through which the two extra children run. One is "it", and tries to catch the other, after beginning at opposite corners. What makes the game interesting is that the caller may shout "streets" or "alleys" at any time. As soon as he yells, all the children in the grid rotate 90 degrees so that the rows are now going the other direction. Depending on where the two running children are, this can help either the pursuer or the runner, for the person who is "it" may not reach across the blocking arms. Once the runner has been tagged, the positions shift in a prearranged fashion. An example would be for the runner to become the caller and the chaser to become the runner. The consolation for having been tagged is that the runner also gets to choose who will be the next chaser. | ||
| Back to Tag Games |