Save The Turtles

Tag Games

STORYLINE
Today we are playing Save the Turtles. In this game, marine biologists (runners) are on assignment in Turtle Island to save the turtles from the pirates (throwers). Your goal is to run across the field to bring the turtles back to the biology lab (baseline) safely.

INSTRUCTIONS

• Before the game begins, I will divide the class into two teams- the marine biologists and the pirates.
• Marine biologist will line up in a block start on the baseline and pirates will throw from behind the cones.
• When I say, “GO!” the marine biologist can sprint to the shore (end line) to grab a turtle.
• If a marine biologist is hit by a cannonball (fuzzy ball) thrown by a pirate, he/she must return the turtle and wait to be rescued by another marine biologist. Both of you will receive a free walk back to the biology lab.
• All throws must be made below the neck. Heads shots do not count.  
• Marine biologists may only save one turtle or rescue one stranded teammate at a time.
• We will begin a new game when all turtles have been rescued or all biologists are stranded on Turtle Island.   

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach: Adjust the amount of turtles depending on class size and time.
• Approach: If students are arguing over being hit or not, consider adding a ‘throwers choice rule’ or Ro Sham Bo.