The ability to move safely in general space (avoiding others); to change speed and pathways to avoid others. To use a St. Patricks Day activity to get the class off to an active start. 2-5 Gold Coins (can be made out of paper and laminated); Belts/pinnies for the students who are Shamrocks (taggers) Description of Idea

Set cones out to designate the playing area. Students need to stay in this area while playing this tag game. Depending on class size, designate 2-3 students as taggers (they can wear a belt, pinnie, for identification). These students are the Shamrocks. Their mission is to chase and tag the Leprechauns (e.g., the remaining students in the class). Each Leprechaun carries one gold coin. If they are tagged, they must give the Shamrock their coin. Then Leprechauns go safely to Teacher/Pot O' Gold (located on the outside of the playing area) to receive another coin. At the end of 1-2 minutes, Shamrocks add up the total amount of coins collected. Choose 2-3 new Shamrocks and play again.

Teaching Suggestions:

Remind students that when Leprechauns are tagged they must give up all their gold, this will help students only carry one gold coin. Becky Hoffmann who teaches at Brother Dutton School in Beloit , WI . Posted on PEC: 5/23/2001.

Spectrum™ Nylon Mesh Pinnies, Youth Size (dozen) $56.99

Gold Coins (pack of 144) $6.99