Sharks and Minnows

To develop listening skills and a sense of boundaries.

Explain to players that the shark(s) will say “fishy, fishy come out and play,” and all minnows will begin walking across the play area.
Be sure all players know minnows will run to the other side when the shark(s) say(s), “Shark attack!”
Remind all players to be aware of their surroundings so that they do not run into others.
Remind players that all taggers will use safe, light-touch tags, or butterfly tags.

Set up a clearly designated rectangular play area with visible boundaries.

Identify who will be the shark(s), either a player or the leader. Everyone else will be minnows.
The shark stands in the middle of the play area and says,”Fishy, fishy, come out and play.” The minnows slowly walk towards the sharks.
At any time, the shark can yell, “Shark attack!” At which point, the minnows must run to the opposite boundary line without being tagged.
If a minnow is tagged, s/he also becomes a shark.
When there is only one or two minnows left, they become the sharks in the next round.

Another option is to have minnows run back to the starting line when,”Shark attack!” is called.
You can choose different predators and preys.
Change the consequences for getting tagged:
- If you get tagged on the first attempt to get to the other side, you become a shark.
- On all following attempts, you become seaweed and you cannot move your feet, but can still tag.