
How to Play Duck, Duck, Goose
One player taps heads around the circle saying duck. When they say goose, that player chases them back around the circle.
- Whole class
- 10 min
- Nothing to prepare
- Pre-K to 1st grade
- Lively
How to Play
5 stepsSit in a circle
Everyone sits facing in.
Tap and say duck
One player walks around the outside tapping heads.
Say goose
The tapped goose jumps up and chases the tapper.
Race for the spot
The tapper tries to sit in the goose's empty spot.
Next turn
If the tapper is caught, they go again. If not, the goose taps next.
Ways to Change It Up
- Duck, Duck, AnswerThe goose answers a math fact instead of chasing.
- Walk, Don't RunSpeed-walk only, for indoor days.
What You Need
No tools needed: Duck, Duck, Goose takes nothing but the class.
More Recess Games
All Recess Games
Four Square
LivelyFour players bounce a ball between four squares; miss and go to the back of the line.

Ghost in the Graveyard
LivelyThe class counts to midnight, then searches for the hidden ghost and races back to base.

Freeze Tag
LivelyTagged players freeze until a free player crawls through their legs.
Duck, Duck, Goose Questions
Plan the Game into the Week
Drop a game into any lesson plan in EMStudio, with the rules attached. Free to start.
Get Started for Free