Grade:
All
Overview:
Nautical mayhem!
Setup
Before starting: Identify the playing boundaries, and make sure all the players understand all the commands. Have all the players line up on a clearly marked line in the middle of the playing area.
Commands:
- Roll call: the crew must line up at the midline of the playing area, feet together, toes on the line, salute and say “aye-aye captain!” The crew may not lower their salute until the captain salutes and says “at ease.”
- Crow’s nest: players act as if they’re climbing up a ladder to the crow’s nest, the top of the main mast, an area at the highest point of the ship to lookout.
- Swab the deck: players act like they’re mopping the deck.
- Shark attack: the captain becomes a shark and tries to tag the crew. Those tagged go to the “brig” to dance or perform an designated exercise.
- Break time: active crew members can run to the “brig” and tag as many people as possible. Those that are tagged can come back in and play again. Make sure everyone gets let out of the “brig” during break time.
- Sailor overboard: crew pairs up and decides which one gets on their hands and knees and which one stands a places a foot gently on the other’s back while acting like their using a spyglass to find the sailor in the water.
- Drop anchor: crew lies on their backs with legs up and acts like an anchor.
- Pirates: crew closes one eye, puts up a hook finger, hobbles around like they have a pegleg and say “Aaargh!”
- Row to Shore: crew gets in lines of 4; players act as if they are rowing to safety, while singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”
How to play:
- The leader explains that s/he is the captain of the boat/ship and is going give commands to the players/crew to perform a specific movement or sound.
- Explain that the crew is sailing treacherous seas and need to work together and follow the captain’s commands to survive.
- If crew members does not follow the commands correctly or is the last to follow the command they must go to the “brig” or break-room.
- Explain the playing area and designate which end is the “bow” of the ship and which end is the “stern.” The goal is to be the last crew member standing.