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We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable. So did the divine right of kings. Any human power can be resisted and changed by human beings. Resistance and change often begin in art, and very often in our art, the art of words.

Ursla Le Guin (1929-2018)

National Book Foundation speech, 2014

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.