Skip to main content
Duck, Duck, Goose: a sticker of a yellow rubber duck next to a white goose feather

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
One page with all five steps

How to Play

5 steps
  1. Duck, Duck, Goose, step 1: Sit in a circle

    Sit in a circle

    Everyone sits facing in.

  2. Duck, Duck, Goose, step 2: Tap and say duck

    Tap and say duck

    One player walks around the outside tapping heads.

  3. Duck, Duck, Goose, step 3: Say goose

    Say goose

    The tapped goose jumps up and chases the tapper.

  4. Duck, Duck, Goose, step 4: Race for the spot

    Race for the spot

    The tapper tries to sit in the goose's empty spot.

  5. Duck, Duck, Goose, step 5: Next turn

    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

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
Checked by a teacher