This is a fun game that get students moving in a variety of ways and also reinforces Social Studies concepts such as directionality, mapping, and the history of explorers.
How to Play:
Designate a playing area with boundaries outdoors. Have students scatter themselves around the playing area. The "captain" (teacher) calls out orders that the players must listen to and follow. Try some of the orders below!
Note: Review cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) if you have been learning about mapping before the game and/or put signs up for each of the directions so students will know where to run.
Orders:
North/Bow: Run north or toward the front of the “boat”
South/Stern: Run south or toward the back of the “boat”
East/Port: Run east or toward the left of the “boat”
West/Starboard: Run west or toward the right of the “boat”
Hit the deck: Lay down on your stomach
Blue Heron: Students balance on one leg
Crows Nest: Students form groups of three and stand with backs touching. Link arms at elbows to form "crows nest"
Attention on deck: Salute and yell, "Aye, aye captain!". Players may not move now until the captain gives the order of, "At ease!" (i.e. even if the captain gives a different order the crew must continue to remain at attention until told "at ease")
Three men in a boat: The crew must form groups of three and sing "Row, row, row your boat"
Clear the deck: Everyone must have their feet up off the floor
Scrub the deck: Everyone must get on their knees and pretend they are scrubbing the deck.
Captain's Quarters: Everyone runs towards the captain
Man-over-board: Players must find a partner as quickly as possible. One partner must lie on their stomach while the other places their foot on their partner's back
Submarine: Every player falls on their back and sticks one leg in the air
Sick turtle: Everyone falls onto their backs and waves hands and feet in the air
Walk the Plank: Students form groups of five and stand in a straight line, with hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them
Competitive Version: The last person to get in each of these poses is eliminated. Continue on until there is one winner
Adapted from Elementary PE Games by Kelsey Boulton