Lions, impalas, and zebras, oh my!

The real name for this Animal Form game is Cougar Stalks Deer, but in honor of Fluffy's and my travels, we switched things up a little.

Instead, we had lions stalking impalas and zebras (along with one student who asked to be an African Buffalo). 

The game is an animal variation of Red Light-Green Light. While prey are grazing, lions quietly stalk toward them. If a prey animal hears an approaching predator and turns to see the predator moving, that predator's hunt is over. If the predator successfully freezes before the prey sees his/her movement, the hunt continues.

 

Regardless of the animals, this game is great for teaching body control and stalking.  It also helps the children get inside the minds of predators and prey. 

After the game, children who acted as prey reported they felt nervous all the time that a predator might try to get them while they were eating.  They had to use those sensitive "deer ears" to remain alert to approaching predators at all times. 

Predators commented that they were excited that their hunt might succeed, but they also worried that if they were spotted moving, they'd never get their prey and they'd go hungry.

This game taps into children's natural love of sneaking and imitating animals.  It trains the senses, and it's a perfect way to convert distracting end-of-day energy into learning-focused movement.

For more games and connecting-with-nature activities:

Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature