Submitted by: Andrew Wood Borrowed from: UK playground games Date added: 07/03/07 Edited by: Fiona Steele
Brief Outline: Students practice imperatives by catching or not catching a tennis ball.
Materials Needed:
Detailed Explanation:
- Introduce “Catch!” by throwing the ball to students. Fake anger when students fail to catch the ball. Ask students, “What is 'Catch!' in Japanese?”
- Introduce “Don’t catch!” by throwing the ball to students. Fake anger when students catch the ball. Ask students, “What is 'Don’t catch!' in Japanese?”
- Use both phrases while throwing the ball to students.
- Students form a circle. For larger classes, more circles. The teacher or a capable student stands in the middle of the circle. Throw the ball to students and say “Catch!” or “Don’t catch!”. If the student makes a mistake, they are out and have to sit down.
Teaching Suggestions:
- Use a soft ball. Throw to students at random. Work hard to get students out! Balls thrown over the shoulder or through the legs cause great excitement!