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Session

Play Phase session: aliens and asteroids

Looking for a fun activity for kids aged 4-6? Try out aliens and asteroids. It's simple to set up and doesn't need much equipment.

This session will help players:    

"Aliens and asteroids" is a variation of a tag game where someone tries to tag someone else as they move around an area.

 

The 'tagger' could be one player, perhaps even a team. It could even be everyone.

The players usually tag each other by touch. But it could also be by stealing a ribbon, running a circle around the player or tackling away their football.

 

It's easy to set up. You only need a group of players and some cones to mark out an area.

 

The game is played in space with two or three small circles mapped out to represent planets. Dot cones around to act as asteroids.

The astronauts start by standing on the planets, with the aliens flying through space. The aim of the game is for the astronauts to move between the planets without being tagged by the aliens.

The captain of play will call out a countdown, "5, 4, 3, 2, 1, blast off!" When they hear the words 'blast off', the astronauts must try to get to another planet as quickly as possible. If they get tagged by an alien, they must stand with their arms and legs outstretched. Another astronaut can rescue them by high-fiving them. Repeat the countdown and swap over the astronauts and aliens.

Set out two or three small circles to represent planets and dot cones around to act as asteroids. Make at least one player the alien. The rest will be astronauts. The aim is for the astronauts to move between planets without being tagged by the aliens
Set out two or three small circles to represent planets and dot cones around to act as asteroids. Make at least one player the alien. The rest will be astronauts. The aim is for the astronauts to move between planets without being tagged by the aliens

Coaching activity

Watch this video to see the activity in action.

Imaginative play – add a little imagination

Add extra rules and instructions to see how the children react. Ask the children to come up with rules related to space!

 

Object play – introduce equipment

By adding different size balls or balloons, it gives the astronauts different problems to solve.

 

Social play – bring everyone together

Encourage the children to help each other – you could allow some to act as superheroes to help make sure the astronauts can always be freed.

 

Remember to give it a football focus. Encourage the children to dribble a football around the area. Remember that not everyone needs to be introduced this at the same time!

 

Want to get more from the game? Use our idea generator to increase the returns for your players.