One of the cherished part of my childhood is-Red light, Green light game. This game is loved by children due to its simplicity. I still remember playing it in our neighbourhood park after school. This game never made us tired. In this blog post, I would love to share the game rules, its benefits and that melodious song which we sang while playing this game.

What is Red light,Green light game for kids?

    Red light green light is a traditional game which involves number of players to play without any equipment. It is super excited and simple game. You just need players and open space. It is physical and mental game that encourages movement, listening and quick reactions.

• Age– 4 years above
• Number of participants– More the participants, more is enjoyment. (Minimum 6 participants)
• Equipment– None
• Skills developed– Listening, Focus, Gross motor skills

Red light- Green light game rules

1. Only one player can be traffic light.
2. Green light means go/move.
3. Red light means stop.
4. If any player moves on the command of “red light” he will be out from game.

How to play Red light Green light game?

1. Select play area
   • Find open space like yard or playground.
   • Mark starting line and finish line.
2. Select “traffic light”
   • Select any one player as “traffic light”. Selection can be done by- rock, paper, scissors or number draw.
   • This selected player will stand at finish line, facing away from rest of players.
3. Lineup all players
   • Lineup all players behind starting line.
   • All players are runners. Main aim of runners is to reach traffic light.
4. Start the game
   • If traffic light shouts “green light”, all players move forward quickly towards him.
   • When traffic light shouts, “red light” and turns around quickly, all players must freeze immediately. If any player caught moving, then this player must go back to the starting line.
   • Players who don’t move stay where they are.
5. Repeat
   • Traffic light turns back around and shouts “green light” again.
   • This process continues until someone reaches the traffic light.
6. Winning the game
   • Player who first reaches and tag the traffic light wins.
   • Winner player will be traffic light for the next round.

Red light, Green light game song

    Singing is fun in his game. Players can sing this song before or during the Game to make it more enjoyable and engaging.

Red light, red light, what do you say?

I say stop, stop right away.

Yellow light, yellow light, what do you say?

I say wait till the light turns green.

Green light, green light, what do you say?

I say go, go, right away.

When to play Red light, Green light game?

Red light, Green light Is super flexible game that can be played anytime and anywhere. The best time to play this game is:

• during recess or break time
• during sports class
• on birthday parties or play dates
• on camps, picnic and family gathering
• on rainy day as indoor game

Why Red light, Green light is so popular?

    Red light, Green light gains its popularity worldwide. Here are some reasons:

1. Simplicity: No hard rules and easy to play.
2. Equipment free: It requires just space and players. No equipment is needed in this game.
3. Inclusivity: Any number of players can join and play this game.
4. No age barrier: Kids love to play it but teens and adults can also join and enjoy.
5. Space friendly: It can be played outdoor or even indoors in limited space.

Other Names of Red light Green light Game

This kids favourite game is played in different parts of world with different names and with some variations. Some popular names are:

• Australia– “Hot Chocolate”
• Austria– “Donner”
• Bangladesh– “Statue!”
• Brazil– “Batatinha frita”
• Canada-“Go, go, stop!”
• China– “红灯绿灯小白灯”
• France– “Un”
• India– “Statue!”
• Japan– “Daruma-san ga koronda”
• Nepal– “L-O-N-D-O-N London, S-T-O-P Stop”
• Russia– “Море волнуется — раз”
• Singapore– “A, E, I, O, U”
• Spain-“Uno”
• Switzerland– “Ziitig läse”
• Thailand– “A E I O U”
• Turkey– “Davul”
• United Kingdom– “Hot chocolate”
• United States– “Un, dos, tres, pescao”

Red light Green light Game variations

1. Educational Red light Green light: Traffic light can ask any math question or spellings instead of saying red light, green light.
2. Coloured Red light Green light: Kids can use actual coloured cards on lights for visual learning.
3. Musical Red light Green light: Play the music when it’s green light and stop during red light.
4. Animal walk game: Instead of running, players can move like different animals. They can hop like frogs, jump like Kangaroos or flap like birds.
5. Obstacle edition: You can add cones, hopes or hurdles between start and finish.

Benefits of Red light Green light Game

1. No equipment is required so it is accessible to everyone.
2. It helps kids to coordinate, control and body balance.
3. All players stay focused on verbal communication which sharpens their listening skills.
4. This game enhances reaction time and mental alertness in kids.
5. Kids learn to stop instantly which increases self-regulation and patience.
6. Red light green light encourages teamwork and builds positive group communication.
7. This game can be modified for different age groups and can be played with variations too.

Safety Tips While Playing

To ensure the game remains safe and fun for everyone:

1. Play on a soft, grassy surface to avoid injuries from falls.
2. Make sure the play area is free of obstacles like rocks or holes.
3. Players should wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
4. Establish clear boundaries before the game starts.

Conclusion

    Red Light Green Light is a powerful game that reminds that best learning often happens through play. It is timeless classic game which teaches kids various life skills. It is easy to organise, equipment free and enjoyed by all kids. It keeps children moving, laughing and learning together.

Frequently Asked Questions:

    I hope you get benefits from my experience and thoughts shared in this article.