Is there a game that will help to develop a bunch of different skills for children? Yes, there is! The red-light-green-light game has recently regained popularity among teachers and parents. And for the right reasons only. The easy-to-play activity can become quite a useful tool and tick off a few points in parents’ minds.

The game is perfect for large groups and doesn’t require a certain number of participants. That means every child will be able to enjoy it and participate! The age groups vary from 4-year-olds up to 8-year-olds.

The rules of the game are easy to follow. However, it’s important to remind young players about safe running and being polite with other

The rules of the game

Outline the starting and finish line; if a game is played outside, walls will make do. In the beginning, children stand altogether on one side. Then, a parent, or another child, becomes a “traffic cop” and faces them across the field.

The game begins when a traffic cop says “green light”. After this phase, children should run toward the traffic cop. But after the “red light” phrase, they must stop and stand still. if a child moves, they must return to the starting line. The game continues until everyone and the traffic cop don’t reach the finish line.

Choosing a child as a traffic cop will help them to learn about decision-making and responsibility. Moreover, they will understand how to time their phrases and commands. Children may also collectively decide who will be a traffic cop to learn how to make decisions in a group.

It is up to the players themselves to decide how much movement is allowed after the “Red light” is said. it may vary from letting slight motions of the body or arms to no motions at all. If players are new to the game or are preschoolers, allowing it is normal.

Alterations and additions

Parents can introduce new rules to keep the game fun and entertaining for children. For example, the traffic cop has to close their eyes when saying “green light” and can only open them after “red light”. This way, the game becomes more intriguing and exciting for both sides. Another option is to turn their back when saying “red light”. Moreover, the cop may only turn around and away without saying any words. In this case, children have to visually control the game.

Parents can also add more phrases to keep children interested in the activity. Thus, “yellow light”, “blue light”, or “pink light” can mean jumping, walking on tiptoes, or just walking. There is enough room for parents and children to create exciting rules for them. Moreover, it is recommended to mix the phrases and their meaning from time to time. Children may grow accustomed to them and act automatically without analyzing words. For example, try saying “red light” twice a row. this will catch their attention and make them more focused.

let the traffic cop change their standing point. For a more challenging and advanced game, the traffic cop may move somewhere during the game. Thus, children must analyze the distance and their movements to win the game. This is a great way to add more movement for the traffic cop and children.

These are not the only options to upgrade the game. To add visual elements to it, parents may create signs for every color used in the activity. Thus, children must stay focused on what signs are shown to them. Plus, this is a great way to practice their color recognition skills. Instead of colored signs, parents can write the words “go” and “stop” to develop reading skills. However, the signs are big enough for children to see them properly from the starting line.

Although the activity is meant for individual work, there is still a way to teach children about teamwork. kids can simply hold their hands and try to reach the finishing line altogether. They will also learn about being considerate and aware of how their actions affect their teammates. However, it is still recommended to remind children about safety beforehand.

This game is even more appealing because one can play it whenever and wherever. even when summer ends, children may continue playing it inside. However, such actions as running are better replaced by walking. Moreover, children can be divided into several groups if indoor space requires it.

Benefits of the game

The main goal of the Red Light Green Light Game is to teach young players to be more aware of their surroundings. However, that’s not the only thing that it is good for. Firstly, children are allowed to master skills that depend on the work of core, arm, and leg muscles. In the game, children are constantly running around and suddenly have to halt and freeze. This simple exercise greatly benefits body control and balance.

During the game, children have to pay attention to words said by a traffic cop. While doing that, their listening skills and the ability to focus are developing. children learn to act appropriately - when they hear “red light” or “green light”.

The name of the game has a direct association with the traffic light working system. While playing, children repeat actions of road traffic. This way, they get to learn the colors of traffic lights and what they mean. The game format also teaches them to react fast to the change of colors on the road. Thus, road safety rules are learned in an easy and fun way for children.

No need to say that the red light, the green light game is a perfect activity that has not only physical exercises. It also helps with developing reading and listening skills, concentration, and analyzing surroundings. The game may become a great addition to daily activity in school, camp, or just backyard with friends. Or even parents!