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Strike against war, for without you no battles can be fought. Strike against manufacturing shrapnel and gas bombs and all other tools of murder. Strike against preparedness that means death and misery to millions of human beings. Be not dumb, obedient slaves in an army of destruction. Be heroes in an army of construction.

Helen Keller (1880-1968)

Strike Against War
Speech at Carnegie Hall, January 5, 1916

Catch!

Target:

understanding the concept of don't

Age:

children and up

Duration:

2-4 minutes

Class Size:

any

Energy Level:

moderate to high

Type:

activity

Equipment:

one or more balls

listening
agility
fun
ball

Players stand in a lose circle. One play holds the ball and throws it to another player saying "Catch!" That player catches the ball throws it to a third player, also saying "Catch!" And that's it! Well, not quite. When all the players are comfortable with the idea of catch other phrases can be introduced. For example, "Don't catcn!". "Catch and jump!" "Jump and Catch!" "Don't catch and spin! " The receiving player tries to meet the challenge set by the player throwing the ball.

Note:

When introducing this game I've usually worked with a partner. Both partners should be careful to avoid saying "Pass!" until the phrase catch is fully estabished. If care is not taken children may end up being confused and say "pass" when they are throwing the ball. If working alone, it possible to exablish the idea of saying catch by demonstrating that the ball should be ignored unless the thrower says, "Catch!" Make the game one of saying and not saying the word catch and catching and not catching the ball. Then adding "Don't Catch!" is straightforward.