level: Elementary
target_English: up, down, left, right
I adapted this very vaguely from a Mario Party (video game) I played a few years ago. This would be best for a really small class. You can decide whether to use it as a competition, or just a fun game.
It takes no preparation.... but your kids should know "up, down, left, right." Also teach them "and," as well as "stop" and "go."
First, choose one kid who will be the tracer. He must close his eyes at this point.
First the teacher draws a line on the chalkboard. It should not curve at all, but can change direction at 45 or 90 degree angles. And it's fine if it shifts back toward where it came. e.g.
Now, give the closed-eyed kid a different colored piece of chalk. This kid's job is to receive commands from the other people as to which way to draw to trace over the line. It's in his best interest not to lift the chalk off the board.
At the beginning, make the kid follow commands as to where the starting point is. Once he's found it, he can ready his chalk, then they can say "right, go!" When he reaches the directional change with his chalk, they can say "stop!" then "up, go!"
If you have drawn diagonal lines, have them say "down and right, go!" for example. If there are multiple kids who are watching the tracer, you can make them switch off giving commands.
One prank you can do is make it go too high for the kid to reach... if you're a jerk! You can also make it change directions a ton of times, which could possibly fun, or it could make the tracer sweat profusely.
