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Cops and Robbers Tag

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This game helps young learners work on various objects vocabulary and practice the use of the present perfect while having some fun and blowing some steam off. The basic concept is that of "cops and robbers" with each student being either a cop or a robber. Young learners try either to steal objects or catch the thief.

Aim: Object vocabulary review and present perfect practice; physical activity to help kids blow off some steam

Activity: Cops and Robbers Tag

Level: Five to nine year olds.

Outline:

  • You'll need to get a number of small objects for this game. You can use objects found around the classroom, or any other objects you would like to bring into the classroom.
  • Split the young learners into two groups. One team are cops, the other robbers. Have them sit on chairs on opposite sides of the classroom. You are the 'Judge'. Stand at the end of the room, next to some empty chairs which are the 'prison'.
  • Count the robbers, having each young learner remember his/her number. Do the same for the cops.
  • Put the objects in the middle of the classroom giving a slight advantage to the robbers. Call out an object and say a number (for example: 'Book - six'). Robber number six runs to get the book while, at the same time, cop number six tries to catch the robber by touching him or her (like tag).
  • If the robber gets back to his chair without having been touched, he or she calls out: 'I've got the book, etc.' On the other hand, if the cop has touched the robber, he or she calls out: 'I've caught the robber'.
  • The object is then awarded to either the cops or the robbers.
  • The game is finished when all the objects have been gathered. The winning team is that which has the most objects at the end of the game.

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