Acorn, Acorn, Squirrel

Classic chase games like this fall-themed variation of Duck, Duck, Goose are beloved by children for good reason. They provide opportunities for aerobic exercise, reaction time development, and social-emotional learning around winning and losing gracefully. The fall theme transforms a familiar game into a seasonal celebration.

• Framework: IPC
• Unit: Fall Festival
• Learning area: Physical Development and Motor Skills
• Level: Levels 1-3

Objectives

• Develop running and chasing skills in a structured game format
• Practice listening and responding quickly to auditory cues
• Build social skills through turn-taking and good sportsmanship

Materials

• Open space suitable for running (indoor gym or outdoor playground)
• Optional: pile of leaves for the "nest" in the center
• Clear boundaries marked with cones or natural features

Instructions

Gather children in a seated circle on the floor or grass. Explain that you will play a special fall game similar to Duck, Duck, Goose, but with an autumn twist. In this version, the tapping player says "Acorn, acorn, acorn..." while walking around the outside of the circle, lightly touching each child's head or shoulder. When ready, they call out "SQUIRREL!" and the tagged child must jump up and chase.

Demonstrate the game with yourself as the first tapper. Walk slowly around the circle, building anticipation with each "acorn." When you call "Squirrel!" dramatically, have a predetermined adult or older child ready to model the chasing portion. Run around the circle back toward the empty spot. If the squirrel catches the tapper before they sit down, the tapper goes to the "fall leaves" in the center of the circle.

Begin the game with children taking turns as the tapper. Guide children to move carefully around the seated friends, reinforcing gentle touches. Celebrate both successful escapes and captures equally, modeling good sportsmanship throughout.

Modify as needed: for very young groups, eliminate the "out" concept entirely and simply have roles swap. For competitive groups, create a variation where everyone gets turns regardless of catching success. Consider adding fall movement variations: "When you're in the leaf pile, show me how leaves blow in the wind!"

Educator tip

Some children become very anxious about being chased. Offer the option to be a "helper squirrel" who runs with the chaser rather than being chased alone. This maintains participation while reducing stress.

Assessment

Observe gross motor skills including running, stopping, and quick directional changes. Note social-emotional responses to winning and losing. Document listening skills and reaction time.

More from Fall Festival

• Blow Like the Fall Leaves
• Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt
• Pumpkin Patch Play
• The Alphabet Kids Made Pumpkin Pie
• Fabulous Fall Leaves Story
• A is for Apple Tree
• Piece Together the Puzzle
• Ten Little Pumpkins