Alligator Swamp Trail

  1. Indoor Game
  • Any Size

  • Grades 1-2

  • None

  • Less Than 10 minutes

This balancing game encourages students to use their imagination while concentrating and applying principles of good followership. Set the stage by describing an alligator swamp full of hungry gators. Students must stay in a tight line in order to avoid being eaten.

The instructor (or student leader) begins to make their way through the swamp, describing all of the animals and vegetation as they go. If a student steps out of line . . . “Chomp!” Be sure to encourage dramatic play as students visualize the alligators and quickly jump back in line.

Development Goal

To develop balance.

Before You Start

  • Make sure everyone understand the goal is to stay on the line (swamp trail).
  • Talk about how to pay attention to the person in front you so they don’t accidentally knock their teammate off the trail.

Set Up

Use existing lines on the yard or create them using jump ropes.

How to Play

  • Give a description that you and the group are now entering the alligator swamp,
  • To stay safe they must stay on the line, but if they step off they could get their foot chomped on by an alligator. Make sure to be dramatic to make it more fun,
  • Have the children follow you around the swamp and tell them if you see an alligator near them!

Variations

Change the swamp into anything you can imagine (shark tank/volcano lava).