The Grinch
Objective:
The "Whos" must work to retrieve as many "presents" as possible and return them to Santa's Sack within the time limit, all while avoiding the Grinch.
On the signal, the Whos run from Who's Ville into the grid to grab a present from a hula hoop. The Grinch immediately starts patrolling the area, trying to tag any Who attempting to steal a present.
If a Who successfully grabs a present and runs it back to Who's Ville without being tagged, they can place it in Santa's Sack. The goal is to collect as many presents as possible before the time runs out!
If the Grinch tags a Who while they are holding a present, the Who must immediately drop the present on the ground where they were tagged. The present is now "lost" and cannot be picked up again by that player on this turn
After being tagged and dropping the present, the Who must return to Who's Ville and complete a designated exercise (like jumping jacks) before they can re-enter the game to try and get another present. The game continues around them!
Set-up:
Create a 20x20 yard grid with cones.
Scatter hula hoops throughout the area. Place an item (beanbag, ball, or small toy) inside each hoop to represent the "presents."
Mark a designated safety zone on one end called "Who's Ville." Place a ball bag (Santa's Sack) here.
Select 1-2 students (or the instructor) to be the "Grinch" and stand inside the grid. The rest of the students start in Who's Ville.
How to Play:
On the signal, students (the Whos) run from Who's Ville into the grid to grab a present from a hula hoop.
The Grinch patrols the area to protect the presents and tag the Whos.
If a student grabs a present, they must run it back to Who's Ville and place it in Santa's Sack.
If a student is tagged by the Grinch:
If they are holding a present, they must drop it gently where they were tagged.
They must return to Who's Ville immediately.
To re-enter the game, the tagged student must complete a specific exercise or challenge (e.g., 5 jumping jacks, 5 squats, or a "Grinch Grimace").
The round ends after a set time limit (e.g., 2 minutes). Count how many presents were saved!
Progressions / Variations
Grinch's Blind Spot (Safe Zones): Any student standing inside a hula hoop is in a "safe zone" and cannot be tagged by the Grinch. They become "invisible" to him. To prevent camping, a student can only stay in a hoop for a maximum of 5 seconds.
Add "Max": Add a second tagger (Max the Dog) to help the Grinch.
Transport Method: Change how students move to the hoops (skipping, galloping, hopping).
Team Challenge: Split the class into two teams of Whos; see which team can retrieve their color of beanbags fastest.
Heavy Presents: Require students to carry the present between their knees or balance it on their head while returning.
Hoops are safe spots where the Grinch can’t see or tag you.
Add multiple Grinches if needed.
The Game Encourages
Spatial awareness, dodging, and fleeing skills.
Cardiovascular endurance (interval sprinting).
Strategy and decision-making (when to run, when to use a safe zone).
Honesty and integrity (completing the re-entry exercises).
Equipment
Cones (to mark the 20x20 grid).
Hula Hoops.
"Presents" (Beanbags, tennis balls, or soft items).
1 Ball bag (Santa's Sack).
Pinnie or vest to identify the Grinch.