You don't have to limit this game to Easter or spring! Young children will enjoy it anytime there is room to run and time to have fun. The game, “Colored Eggs,” combines elements that are sure to please the little ones. Skits and playacting are always popular activities, and chase games are sure winners. This fast-paced game has both of these exciting pastimes.
You will need to play this game in a wide, open play area, such as a large room, gym, or yard. At least five players will be needed, as well. More can easily join in. Children from preschool through about second grade will enjoy the game. There is no special equipment needed.
Mark off a large, rectangular play area. One side will be the “henhouse,” and the other end will be “safe.” Choose one player to be the fox and another to be the mother hen. All of the remaining players are colored eggs.
The game begins with the fox standing near the safe line and the hen with her eggs on the other end of the playing area in the “henhouse.” The hen whispers the name of a different color to each egg. Remember those colors! They will be important later in the game. When that task is finished, it's time to start playacting.
Mother hen and eggs are gathered in the henhouse. The fox comes knocking on the imaginary door with as much fanfare and sound effects as s/he can muster. The hen calls, “Who is it?” The fox answers, “It's the FOX!”
The hen asks, “What do you want?” The fox responds that s/he wants colored eggs. In a desperate attempt to protect the brood, the hen responds, “We don't have any!” However, the wily fox knows better and says, "Yes you do! I can smell them!”
Now it"s time for the fox to burst through the imaginary door and begin guessing colors, slowly and one at a time.
When an egg hears his or her secret color, that player must try to run past the fox and reach the safe line on the other side of the play area. If caught, the egg becomes an assistant fox to help with the next chase. The game begins anew (with newly assigned colors and the ritual skit) when the egg is either captured or safe.
Sometimes it can be hard for us adults to understand the appeal of simplistic games such as this one, but please give it a try! This game has elements of ritual, suspense, playacting, and of course, the all-important chase that will appeal to young children. I remember it as a schoolyard favorite in early elementary school, and often played it in the neighborhood as I was growing up. The kids in your care will enjoy it too, and it's very important that we pass these activities down to future generations!
