Health and Physical Activity: Zombie Tag

Here is a Youtube video which shows how to play a warm-up game completely along the lines of the gymnasium wherein no “line-hopping” is permitted. One student (or more) is given a pool noodle and is the infected zombie; other students also become a zombie and must either walk on their knees, bear crawl or army crawl if they are touched by the zombie’s pool noodle.

P.E. with Mr. G: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g22ssbKazA

Grades 3-5

This video demonstrates a warm-up game that requires no set-up and requires very few materials. All that is needed for the game are the lines on the floor of the gymnasium and pool noodles. This game would make a good start to a gym class, as it should get students warmed up for further activities through active participation and increased circulation.

With the game Zombie Tag there is the inevitability of all students succumbing to the zombie virus, and requires a gymnasium and pool noodle. The teacher should include special considerations for any students who may be mobility reduced or facing challenges in order to participate in this game, and incorporate appropriate alterations.

Many more interesting gym games are accessible through YouTube on numerous channels, including the channel “P.E. with Mr. G” where this resource is found. The YouTube website is overall an excellent resource for teachers, as countless ideas for lesson plans can be found.

Overall, Zombie Tag is an amusing and imaginative warm-up activity. I liked how the dramatic setting of a zombie virus outbreak could spark the interest and desire to participate from the students.

Ontario Curriculum connection:

Strand A: Active Living

Overall expectation A1: Participate actively and regularly in a wide variety of physical activities, and demonstrate an understanding of the value of regular physical activity in their daily lives.

Specific Expectation A1.1 actively participate in a wide variety of program activities (e.g., tag games, cooperative games, movement exploration with equipment, dance, outdoor activities), according to their capabilities, while applying behaviours that enhance their readiness and ability to take part (e.g., trying new activities, being engaged and maintaining movement throughout the activity, actively cooperating with peers, having the required equipment to take part, accepting and showing respect for others in the group, listening actively, following rules, playing fair).