Duck Duck Goose

Duck Duck Goose is a classic icebreaker game that I enjoy facilitating in various group settings with children. This active game encourages social interaction, promotes mobility, and fosters a sense of fun among participants. The objective of Duck Duck Goose involves one child, the ‘tapper’, walking around a circle of seated players while tapping each one on the head and saying ‘duck’ until finally choosing someone to be the ‘goose’ by declaring ‘goose’ instead of ‘duck’. The ‘goose’ then stands up and chases the ‘tapper’ around the circle, attempting to tag them before they return to and sit in the ‘goose’s’ spot. This game is suitable for medium to large groups of kids and requires no setup or materials, making it a convenient icebreaker for any occasion. The game’s length varies depending on how quickly the ‘tapper’ can run and whether or not they are caught by the ‘goose’.

1. The kids all sit in a large circle and one group member, the tapper, selects a player at random who will chase them.
2. The tapper then has to try to run the whole way round the circle before getting caught and sit down in the empty spot.
3. If the tapper manages to do a complete lap of the circle, the goose is the new tapper. However, if they get caught, they have to stay tapping for another round.
4. The tapper walks around the edge of the circle and taps each child as they go past, saying either “duck” or “goose”. If the tapper says “duck”, nothing happens, but if a kid is tapped and the tapper says “goose”, they must get up and start chasing the tapper around the circle.
5. The goose needs to try to catch the tapper before he or she sits back down!

• Open space: A clear area where kids can sit in a circle and run around without any obstructions.
• Group of children: At least 5 kids are required to play the game, but there is no maximum number of players. If you have an extra-large group, consider splitting it into two groups and having two separate games going on at once.

To set up for the Duck Duck Goose icebreaker game, you need to first nominate one person to be the tapper. Then, get all of the other kids to sit in a large circle facing inwards. No additional materials are required for this activity. The game has a quick and easy setup, making it convenient and accessible for groups of children to play.

1. Nominate a Tapper: I start by selecting one person to be the tapper for the first round.
2. Have Kids Sit in a Circle: Then, I gather all of the other kids and have them sit down in a large circle facing inwards.
3. Tap and Name Each Child: The tapper begins walking around the edge of the circle, tapping each child on the head while saying either “duck” or “goose”. If they say “duck”, nothing happens, but if they say “goose”, the tapped child becomes the new chaser.
4. Chase Around the Circle: The chaser tries to catch the tapper before they complete a full lap around the circle and sit back down in the empty spot left by the chaser. If the tapper manages to do so, the chaser becomes the new tapper for the next round. However, if they get caught, the original tapper must continue being the tapper for another round.
5. Consider Alternative Rules: To add some variation and excitement, you could try using different words, having kids jump, skip, or hop around during the chase, or incorporating water balloons on sunny days during summer.

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• Encourages social interaction: Duck Duck Goose is a great icebreaker game that helps kids interact and get to know each other in a fun and engaging way.
• Promotes physical activity: The game involves chasing and fleeing, which can help improve kids’ agility, speed, and overall fitness level.
• Develops decision-making skills: Kids need to make quick decisions when choosing who to tap as “goose” and trying to make it back to their spot before getting caught.
• Adaptable for different settings: The game can be played both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile option for various occasions.
• No equipment required: Duck Duck Goose requires no materials or preparation, making it an accessible and budget-friendly group game.
• Suitable for large groups: The game is ideal for larger groups, allowing more kids to participate and have fun together.
• Builds excitement with variations: Adding different words, movements, or props can make the game more exciting and engaging for all players.
• Introduces friendly competition: The game fosters a sense of friendly competition as kids strive to catch the tapper or become the new tapper.
• Safe for young children: With no physical contact required, Duck Duck Goose is a safe and enjoyable option for younger kids.
• Encourages teamwork and cooperation: Players work together in their roles as either the tapper or the goose, promoting collaboration and teamwork.

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• Chasing and fleeing skills: Duck Duck Goose helps children develop their ability to chase and flee from others in a playful and non-threatening way. The tapper must try to run around the circle before getting caught, while the goose must try to catch the tapper before he or she sits back down.
• Physical fitness: This game encourages children to be active and move around, which can help improve their overall physical fitness and coordination. Running around the circle and chasing after the tapper can also help increase kids’ heart rates and stamina.
• Social skills: Duck Duck Goose is a great icebreaker game that can help children interact and get to know each other. By playing this game, kids can learn how to work together, take turns, and communicate effectively with one another.
• Strategic thinking: The game requires the tapper to think strategically about which child to tap as “goose” and when to make a run for the empty spot in the circle. This can help children develop their problem-solving skills and strategic thinking abilities.
• Adaptability: The game’s alternative rules allow for variations that can challenge children to adapt to new situations, such as jumping, skipping, or hopping around the circle instead of running. This can help kids become more flexible and adaptable in different scenarios.

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As someone who enjoys bringing people together and facilitating social interactions, I find the Duck Duck Goose icebreaker to be an excellent choice for several reasons. First and foremost, it is incredibly accessible and easy to understand, making it a great option for groups with diverse ages, backgrounds, and language abilities. The rules are simple and straightforward, yet the game still manages to be engaging and entertaining for all involved.

Another reason I like Duck Duck Goose is that it encourages movement and physical activity, which can help to energize and focus the group. By having kids get up and move around, you can help to break up sedentary activities and keep things interesting and dynamic. This is especially important in longer meetings or events where attention spans may start to wane.

I also appreciate that Duck Duck Goose requires no special equipment or materials, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option for groups of all sizes. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering at home or organizing a large event at a park or community center, this game can be easily adapted to fit your needs and resources.

Finally, I like that Duck Duck Goose encourages social interaction and connection among group members. By having kids work together to create a circle, take turns as the tapper, and engage in friendly competition, you can help to build trust, rapport, and a sense of community within the group. This is especially important for icebreaker activities, where the goal is often to help people get to know each other and feel more comfortable in a social setting.

Overall, Duck Duck Goose is a versatile, engaging, and accessible icebreaker game that can help to facilitate social connections, promote physical activity, and create a positive and inclusive group dynamic.

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• Use simple language: By using easy-to-understand language, you can make sure that all children, regardless of their language proficiency, can participate and enjoy the game.
• Encourage everyone to take turns being the tapper: Make sure that every child gets a chance to be the tapper, so no one feels left out or excluded from the game.
• Modify the rules to accommodate different abilities: Consider modifying the rules of the game to make it more accessible for children with different physical abilities. For example, you could allow the “goose” to choose how they want to chase the tapper (e.g., walking, running, or hopping).
• Promote respect and kindness: Remind children to be respectful and kind to one another during the game. Encourage them to use gentle taps and avoid any roughhousing or aggressive behavior.
• Provide visual aids: Use visual aids such as pictures or symbols to help children understand the rules of the game, especially if they have difficulty with verbal instructions.
• Create a safe and inclusive environment: Ensure that the playing area is safe and free from hazards. Also, make sure that all children feel welcome and included in the game, regardless of their race, gender, or ability.

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1. What did you enjoy most about playing Duck Duck Goose? This question can help participants reflect on the positive aspects of the game and express their enthusiasm, which can boost morale and encourage further engagement.
2. How did it feel to be chosen as the “goose” during the game? By asking this question, facilitators can encourage empathy and understanding among participants regarding how others might experience different emotions while playing the game.
3. Did you find any strategies that helped you become a faster runner or better tapper? If so, what were they? This question can prompt participants to think critically about their own skills and share helpful tips with one another, which can foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration.
4. What did you learn about your teammates through playing Duck Duck Goose? Encouraging participants to reflect on what they’ve learned about their peers during the game can help build stronger relationships and promote mutual understanding.
5. How might the skills you used in Duck Duck Goose, such as communication and collaboration, be applied in a different context or situation? This question can help participants make connections between the game and real-life scenarios, reinforcing the value of teamwork and social interaction.

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