Christmas Reindeer Tag

Reindeer Tag

In this game tagged players will turn into reindeer and have to gallop to the north pole.  This is a fun way for children to learn/practice the locomotor skill of galloping! 

Before playing this game, or between rounds, ask students to name Santa’s reindeer.  Make a list on the board and see how many they can get before class is over.       

List of Santa's Eight Reindeer
1.     Dasher        
2.     Dancer        
3.     Prancer        
4.     Vixen        
5.     Comet        
6.     Cupid        
7.     Donner        
8.     Blitzen
** Note:  Rudolph was not one of the original reindeer.  Rudolph was first named in the Christmas song "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer."

Equipment Needed:
3 Red or green yarn balls
1 volleyball pole labeled “North Pole”
Christmas music (optional)

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  Rotate taggers every round.

To begin the game, select 3 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the yarn balls with them and use them for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space.  When everyone yells “Reindeer TAG” the game begins.  Play music during game. 

If a player is tagged, they turn into a reindeer and have to gallop around the north pole.  Tell players to use their hands to make reindeer antlers as they gallop.  After galloping around the north pole they magically turn into a regular person again and may continue playing. 

Note:  Remind taggers they may not throw the ball at players.....just touch players gently to tag them.   If they drop the ball, they lose their magical power to tag until they pick the ball up again.

Video of 3rd graders playing Reindeer Tag:

5th graders playing: