Red Light, Green Light

Children running on field outside together at day care

This activity promotes development and learning by encouraging children to understand and follow rules and routines and manage actions and behaviors.

Participants:This activity is intended for adult/child interaction or play with two or more participants.

Directions:

  1. Explain the rules of the game. One person is the traffic director. This person stands 20 feet away from the other players. The traffic director starts by turning away from the group and saying, “Green light.” The other players then walk quickly toward the traffic director.
  2. The traffic director quickly turns to face the group and says, “Red light.” The players must stop immediately. If a player keeps moving, they are required to go back to the beginning (adjust this rule depending on your child’s age and temperament). Congratulate your child on listening and following the directions.
  3. Continue the game until one person reaches and gently touches the traffic director. This person becomes the traffic director and the game continues until everyone gets a turn.
Bright Horizons
About the Author
Bright Horizons
Bright Horizons
In 1986, our founders saw that child care was an enormous obstacle for working parents. On-site centers became one way we responded to help employees – and organizations -- work better. Today we offer child care, elder care, and help for education and careers -- tools used by more than 1,000 of the world’s top employers and that power many of the world's best brands
Children running on field outside together at day care