10 Simple Tag Game Tips (that Work) for Elementary PE Teachers
Make tag games in elementary PE easier, safer, smoother, and way more fun with these 10 Simple Tag Game Tips for Physical Education Teachers!
10 TAG GAME TIPS
PE Teachers – I get it. Tag games can be chaotic, time-consuming, boring, unsafe, and at times, feel like a real chore to teach and facilitate.
I’ve been there – BUT, over the years I’ve developed a pretty good system and now I absolutely LOVE to teach tag games. In fact, they are one of my absolute favorite parts of PE class.
So, in this blog post, I’m excited to share with you my 10 Simple Tag Game Tips and help make Tag Time the best part of your PE day too.
Hi there, it’s so great to meet you! I’m Mrs. T. (or you can call me Jen) – a Michigan mom, wife, new grandma (aka “Jemma”) K-12 PE teacher, blogger (Love 2 Teach and Learn) and author of 59 CRAZY FUN Elementary PE Games that ROCK!
I love teaching PE class because I get to spend time telling silly SPORTS JOKES and exercising, while laughing with my students.
I’m also on a serious mission to MAKE SCHOOL FUN AGAIN and physical education class is a great way to do just that!
So, if you’re ready, I’m ready! Let’s go #MAKESCHOOLFUNAGAIN
TIP #1: Give Clear Tag Game Directions
FIRST, it is extremely important for elementary PE teachers to give clear, easy-to-understand, directions before playing a tag game.
Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth time playing the tag game – students need to know exactly how to stay safe while they are having fun.
When the rules are simple and easy to understand, kids can start the game faster, make better choices, and avoid confusion or arguments.
✅WHAT WORKS FOR ME:
- FIRST, I gather my students in the middle of the gym and have them sit in a circle.
- NEXT, once we have completed our team-building PE QUESTION OF THE DAY, I quickly go over the Class Agenda and PE Learning Target(s)with them.
- THEN, I clearly explain the tag game rules with my students. My expectation is this: Nobody is allowed to talk or raise their hand with questions until I am completely done explaining ALL of the rules. My students know when I am finished explaining the rules because I say the magic words: “QUESTIONS GO”
- FINALLY, I answer any last minute tag game questions students might have – I usually don’t have too many at this point because I have been able to speak uninterrupted.
TIP #2: Use PE Fitness Stars
Now that you have given clear tag game instructions, it’s time to utilize your daily fitness star.
I have a whole blog post on why you should use PE fitness stars in class and how it will make your life as a PE teacher one million times easier. If you are interested, you can read that post RIGHT HERE.
But, when it comes to playing tag games fitness stars can help in many different ways.
✅WHAT WORKS FOR ME:
- After giving your students clear tag game directions, I ask my fitness star to REPEAT THE GAME DIRECTIONS ALOUD. This step is super important – do not skip!
- I ask the fitness star to be my helper and DEMONSTRATE any and all important game rules or instructions.
- Finally, I not only allow the fitness star to be a tagger for the first round of play. I also allow them to choose 2-3 friends to start as taggers with them. I can not tell you how stinkin’ amazing this is – it literally stops ALL of the fighting when it comes to who gets to be a tagger first. It is GLORIOUS!
TIP #3: Use a Start/Stop Signal
NEXT, I believe it is equally as important that PE Teachers use a clear start and stop signal, like a whistle cadence or music, during tag games because it helps students know exactly when to move and when to freeze.
This keeps the game safe, organized, and fun for everyone.
✅WHAT WORKS FOR ME:
- I personally LOVE to use music as a start/stop signal for all of my PE games. It is probably the best classroom and behavior management trick that I use.
- My expectation is this: MUSIC ON: Your Turn (run, play, chat, have a blast) MUSIC OFF: My Turn (teach, explain, etc.)
- I have found that one minute tag rounds are perfect for keeping kids engaged, safe, and having a blast. I especially like to match my songs to whatever tag game I am playing. The kids LOVE this too!
- My three favorite (most played) one minute tag game songs are: Pac Man Theme Song (Reverse PacMan Tag), Scooby Doo Theme Song (Snack Attack Tag) and Ninja Turtle Theme song (Turtle Tag).
You can check out my complete 117 Song Elementary PE “Clean” Playlist RIGHT HERE.
TIP #4: Everybody’s It
This is definitely one of my absolute best elementary tag game tips.
It’s a little tip that makes a BIG (more like HUGE) difference – PLAY AS MANY ROUNDS NEEDED TO ALLOW EVERY STUDENT AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE A TAGGER.
I realize that life is not fair, BUT, I truly believe that this is one way that you can model fairness as a PE teacher and it really is a great way to help all kids feel included and special.
It also majorly cuts down on arguing and other PE behavior issues, as well.
Now, I firmly believe you need to put guidelines into place for this – which brings me to my next tag game tip – Demand Respect and Manners!
TIP #5: Demand Respect and Good Manners
I hate to say it – BUT… I’m going to. Kids just don’t come to school with good manners like they used to.
However, I am old-school and I still believe demanding that my students show respect and use good manners is way more important than any PE skill I could ever teach them.
✅WHAT WORKS FOR ME:
- When playing a tag game I allow my fitness star (and teammates he/she chooses) to be my first round taggers.
- Then I randomly use my class list and ask students if they would like to be a tagger. I simply say “_______ would you like to be a tagger today?”
- I never force my students to be taggers but I do demand that my students answer me one of two ways. They may either say “Yes Please” or “No Thank You” – simple as that. I am very strict with that and do not allow play to continue until they answer me one of those two ways.
- I also always stay in control of the asking – what I mean by that is this: If I ask a student if they want to be a tagger and they say “No Thank You” I do not allow them to change their mind later in the game. If they are going to be a tagger that day, they must respond with “Yes Please” when I first ask them.
TIP #6: Track Your Taggers
As a teacher our minds are already filled with so much stuff which makes having a system for keeping track of your taggers an absolute MUST DO. It keeps the game fair, organized, and ensures that nobody is missed and every student gets a turn.
✅WHAT WORKS FOR ME:
- I simply put each of my class lists into a clear page protector and keep them all together using a clipboard.
- Then, using a dry erase marker I cross off each student’s name after they have had a turn as a tagger.
- Finally, once the tag game is over, I erase it and it’s ready to go for our next tag game – Easy Peasy!
TIP #7: Use Long Pool Noodles
I love using pool noodles for tag games. It’s so much safer than kids using their hands to tag with.
✅WHAT WORKS FOR ME:
- I like to use extra long pool noodles when tagging so instead of cutting my pool noodle into thirds I typically cut my pool noodles in half.
- My pool noodle tagging rules are as follows: 1. You must tag shoulders and below 2. No striking the pool noodle on the gym floor 3. Tagging must be gentle – no whipping of the pool noodle at any time.
- I always get my pool noodles from the Dollar Store. They have the best selection, however, you need to grab them and stock up during the month of May since they are a seasonal item and that is when you’ll find the best selection.
CLICK HERE to find 125 MUST HAVE Dollar Store items for PE teachers.
- Last but certainly not least, I use the GIANT Dollar Tree pool noodles (do not cut – use the whole noodle) for something very special. I allow my fitness star of the day to get one extra turn to be a tagger and use the giant pool noodle to tag with. Mine is blue and we refer to it as “Big Blue.” The kids seriously LOVE this!
TIP #8: Everybody Freeze
If you don’t want to waste time (and energy) every time you need to switch taggers, you definitely need a simple tagger rotation plan.
✅WHAT WORKS FOR ME:
- I use a “FREEZE” plan with my PE classes. When I stop the music my students know that they ALL must FREEZE right where they are at. I do have to remind them often that “freezing” means their mouths must stop moving as well as their bodies – LOL.
- I have my students who are taggers, hold their pool noodles “High to the Sky.” This signals to me that they need to switch out and give their pool noodle to a new tagger.
- Then, I look at my class list, find a new tagger and ask them to switch out with a tagger who just had a turn. I say “_____ Would you give your pool noodle to ______ please.”
- Next, I mark that name off my list and ask them to go to the middle with their pool noodle so that I know and can see that they are now a new tagger for the next round.
- Finally, I always have my taggers start in the middle. This routine is extremely helpful for making tag game transitions smooth.
TIP #9: Have a Water Plan
It is very important for an elementary PE teacher to have a separate water or drink area during tag games so kids can take a quick water break when needed.
✅WHAT WORKS FOR ME:
- Making that same spot a safe zone from being tagged has worked very well for me. It helps students stay safe, feel protected, and know exactly where they can go when they need a break.
- If you have a wall in a corner or out of the way where you can hang a shoe organizer with clear pouches I would highly recommend going this route. Kids can simply place their water bottles in a pouch and head to get a drink from their water bottles when needed during games.
- My students know that if another student is in the “water zone” they are taking a break and can’t be tagged.
I realize that every PE teacher has a unique situation when it comes to having access to water. My biggest tip is to just make sure that you have a plan that works for you before you play tag games with your students.
TIP #10: Mix Things Up
The last thing you want is for your students to be bored which is why it is so important to MIX THINGS UP.
✅WHAT WORKS FOR ME:
- I play a variety of crazy fun tag games with my students all year long, making sure to not play the same game twice in one month.
- If you are tired of the same boring tag games you are definitely going to want to check out my 59 Crazy Fun Elementary PE Games that Rock. Inside my newly published book, I have 17 Awesome tag games (as well as 42 other Team, Skill, Seasonal and Holiday PE Games) that your students will LOVE.
You can find my new book on Amazon RIGHT HERE.
TAGGING OUT
TAG – you’re it! Are you ready to give these 10 tag game tips a try?
If you’re a PE Teacher, I’d love to connect with you. You can find me hanging out in all of these Amazing places.
Mrs. T’s “Always Growing” PE Games Bundle
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Hey – Thanks so much for stopping by today to check out my PE teacher tag game tips.
I really appreciate it and I hope your day is filled with plenty of FUN and FITNESS.
🎉Oh, and remember… IF YOU HAD FUN, YOU WON!
