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Ghost in the Graveyard: a sticker of a friendly cartoon ghost peeking out from behind a small rounded tombstone

How to Play Ghost in the Graveyard

One ghost hides while everyone else counts at base. Then they go looking, and whoever spots the ghost shouts so everyone races back before getting tagged.

  • Whole class
  • 15 min
  • Nothing to prepare
  • Kindergarten to 5th grade
  • Lively
One page with all five steps

How to Play

5 steps
  1. Ghost in the Graveyard, step 1: Pick a ghost

    Pick a ghost

    One student is the ghost. Everyone else waits at base.

  2. Ghost in the Graveyard, step 2: Count the clock

    Count the clock

    The group counts out loud from one o'clock to midnight while the ghost hides.

  3. Ghost in the Graveyard, step 3: Go looking

    Go looking

    Everyone spreads out to search for the ghost.

  4. Ghost in the Graveyard, step 4: Ghost in the graveyard!

    Ghost in the graveyard!

    Whoever spots the ghost shouts it, and everyone runs back to base.

  5. Ghost in the Graveyard, step 5: Tagged is next

    Tagged is next

    Anyone the ghost tags before reaching base becomes the next ghost.

Ways to Change It Up

  • Two GhostsAdd a second ghost for a big group.
  • Gym VersionHide behind mats in the gym with the lights dimmed.

What You Need

No tools needed: Ghost in the Graveyard takes nothing but the class.

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Ghost in the Graveyard Questions

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