Step

Whole class

Any age

Facilitator calls out commands (step, jump, run, etc) and players have to follow them. If they call a number, players have to make groups of that number. If a player isn’t in one of those groups or doesn’t follow a command, they’re out. Facilitator can call “One” for players to raise their hand. The last to raise their hand is out. Facilitator can also make up commands (crawl, Dougie, Cha Cha slide, etc).

Source: Korey from Mr. Gels 8th grade Theatre class!

At least 10

5th grade and older

Players form a grid and hold their arms out horizontally when the facilitator calls “Alleys!,” vertically when they call “Streets,” spin when they call “Tornado,” and drop to the ground when they yell “Earthquake.” One player is the cat who chases another play, the mouse, through the streets and alleys. The facilitator calls out to keep the cat away from the mouse by switching the direction of the arms and thereby blocking the cat.

Source: Mr. Gels Theatre class at Boston Latin

At least 3 players
3rd grade – adult

Everyone in a circle. We are going to say a pattern, one word per player, going clockwise. It goes like:
•    One Duck, two Legs, Quack
•    Two Ducks, four legs, Quack Quack
•    Three Ducks, six legs, Quack Quack Quack
And so on, till someone misses. Keep the rhythm!

At least 4 players
2nd grade – up

Players form a circle. Someone with an imaginary ball says the name of another player and “throws” the ball to them. That person “catches” it and continues the pattern.

Source: http://improvencyclopedia.org/games/index.html

At least 10 players
5th grade – adult

Players join hands and form a circle. Move the circle to a wall and collapse it so it is two lines joined at the ends. “Wheel” the circle along the wall as quick as possible. Be very careful!

Source: http://improvencyclopedia.org/games/index.html

At least 2 players
5th grade — adult

Players form pairs and sit on the floor. They establish a very simple rhythm by slapping their knees then either pointing their hands up/down/left/right. The players continue this till they do the same action at the same time. If they do, they replace the pointing action by making a fake water gun and making a “ksss” sound effect. The point of the game is to keep focus and rhythm.

Source: Bethany Nelson

At least 9 players
3rd grade — adult

Players stand in a circle. One player becomes the middle of the bunny and the two people next to them hold their arms up as the bunny’s ears. They jump up and down and say “BUNNY BUNNY BUNNY” together then throw the turn to another player in the group. The game should be fast paced and funny!

Source: http://improvencyclopedia.org/games/index.html

At least 6 players
2nd grade – adult

Players create “houses” (two people stand facing eachother with their arms up and hands touching) with a “creature” inside (another player crouched beneath their arms making a silly creature face). When the facilitator calls “house,” the players making a house find a new creature to cover. When the facilitator calls “creature,” the players crouching as creatures must find a new house to dwell in. When the facilitator calls “flood,” everyone runs around to find a new role (houses can become creatures and vice versa).

Source: Bethany Nelson

At least 5 players
2nd grade – adult

A tag game. If “It” tags you, you have to stay frozen in place until someone unfreezes you.

Source: Childhood