Flag Steal

Flag Steal

The major purpose of the game is to elevate student heartrate without them realizing it. It also gives students a chance to work on chasing, fleeing, and dodging skills. The suggested grade level of this activity is fourth grade and up.

Cones for general space boundaries and for "the stolen flag/safe area", two velcro flags and one flag belt for each student. This activity should be played outdoors in an open field. This area should be free of holes and hills for the studentís safety.

All students who are uninjured and able to participate will each start off with a velcro belt and two flags. The students will start with both flags hanging on opposite sides of the velcro belt. Each student is playing against everyone else; there are no teams in this game. The stolen flag/safe area allows a student with lost flags to recover additional flags for constant play. It also allows a place for the student to catch his breath, while keeping his flag from being taken.

Have each student put on the flag belt and then attach the two flags so they are hanging from their hips. On the signal, students are to move throughout the playing space (i.e., walking, skipping, sliding) trying to steal as many flags as possible from other students in the playing area. Upon stealing a flag students are to go to the "stolen flag/safe area," (the coned off area in the middle or outside of playing area), and drop the flag. They can either go back out and try to get more flags or they can put flags on their empty belt if they had one stolen. Students can also use this as a "rest area" in case they get tired. Activity stops on teacherís signal.

1. To change intensity of cardiovascular workout, and or delete the time the game is being played.
2. Start the activity out by walking, and then change to a more difficult locomotor movement, as you are satisfied with safety.
3. Have different lengths of flags for students to make chasing, fleeing, and dodging easier or difficult.
4. Do not allow students to defend or protect their belts with their hands. This allows them to develop their chasing, fleeing, and dodging skills.
5. Add obstacles to the field to change the difficulty level of chasing, fleeing, and dodging.
6. Do not allow students to stay in the safe area for more than thirty seconds unless medically necessary.
7. Depending on athleticism of the student add or subtract the total number of flags each student has on their belt.