Holiday Lesson Ideas

Before class, set the area up by using cones to mark off a large rectangular area. Place the tug-of-war or long jump ropes in the shape of a large circle in the middle of the playing area (this represents Plymouth Rock).

Explain the game to students as follows (demonstrate if needed): 5-10 taggers ("Pilgrims") will stand in the center of the rope. The rest of the class ("Turkeys") stand side by side around the rope (as spread out evenly as possible) with a flag tucked in their (back) pocket or waistband representing a turkey's tail. On the count of 3, the turkeys ask "What time is it?" The teacher responds with anything like "chicken time" or "pizza time." When the teacher responds "Turkey Time," the Turkeys leave the rope as the Pilgrims try to pull the turkey's tails (flags). If the "turkey" makes it to the outside of the sidelines without getting his/her flag pulled, he/she is "safe". If, however, a flag or tail is pulled, that person would go to the sidelines, do a fun movement of their choice three times in a row (e.g., 3 jumping jacks, 3 twists, 3 "turkey dances", 3 jumps, etc. while "gobbling" 3 times....then the "turkey" would then be back in the game. After a few minutes and/or a few tries, new Pilgrims will be chosen and the game will begin once again.