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How to Handle Play Red Light Green Light Step by Step
When play red light green light leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.
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Part
1
Setting Up
1
Choose the traffic cop.
The traffic cop will be the one calling out the commands, directing traffic by yelling, “Red light” or “Green light.” The traffic cop is also the judge as to whether a child has moved on “red light.” Additionally, the traffic cop can be considered the finish line, the goal of the game being to make it to the cop. If possible, choose a cop who is trustworthy and fair.
- Choose a trusted adult or teacher to be the traffic cop.
- Make sure the traffic cop understands the rules and can enforce them.
- The traffic cop will be the one calling out the commands, directing traffic by yelling, “Red light” or “Green light.” The traffic cop is also the judge as to whether a child has moved on “red light.” Additionally, the traffic cop can be considered the finish line, the goal of the game being to make it to the cop.
- If possible, choose a cop who is trustworthy and fair.
- The traffic cop will be the one calling out the commands, directing traffic by yelling, “Red light” or “Green light.” The traffic cop is also the judge as to whether a child has moved on “red light.” Additionally, the traffic cop can be considered the finish line, the goal of the game being to make it to the cop.
2
Distance the cop at least 5m away from the other players.
There needs to be enough distance between the traffic cop and the kids to make the game fun and challenging. Have the traffic cop move at least 5m or 15ft away from everyone else. Wherever the traffic cop stands will be the finish line.
- Ensure the playing area is large enough for all players to move around.
- Clear the room of any breakable or fragile objects.
- There needs to be enough distance between the traffic cop and the kids to make the game fun and challenging.
- Have the traffic cop move at least 5m or 15ft away from everyone else.
- Wherever the traffic cop stands will be the finish line.
Part
2
Playing the Game
1
Have the traffic cop yell, “Green light.”
When the traffic cop yells, “Green light,” the kids will run forward. The goal is to reach the finish line (the traffic cop).
- Make sure all players are ready and aware of their surroundings.
- The player who reaches the finish line first wins the game.
- When the traffic cop yells, “Green light,” the kids will run forward.
- The goal is to reach the finish line (the traffic cop).
- When the traffic cop yells, “Green light,” the kids will run forward.
2
Have the traffic cop yell, “Red light” and turn around.
When the traffic cop yells, “Red light,” the kids must immediately freeze. The traffic cop can also use this command to send players back to the starting line if they were moving while the light was red.
- Players who move on a
- warning
- The player who reaches the finish line first wins the game.
- When the traffic cop yells, “Red light,” the kids must immediately freeze.
- The traffic cop can also use this command to send players back to the starting line if they were moving while the light was red.
Part
3
Trying Other Variations
1
Allow for multiple “red lights” in a row.
This is a lot of fun with older kids because you can trick them. Since they are used to “red light” interchanging with “green light,” they are likely to move on a repeated “red light,” expecting it to be a “green light.” This forces everyone to pay close attention and makes the game more challenging.
- This variation adds an extra level of strategy and fun to the game.
- Make sure all players understand the new rule before playing.
- This is a lot of fun with older kids because you can trick them.
- Since they are used to “red light” interchanging with “green light,” they are likely to move on a repeated “red light,” expecting it to be a “green light.” This forces everyone to pay close attention and makes the game more challenging.
- This is a lot of fun with older kids because you can trick them.
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