What Time is it Mr. Fox
What Time is it, Mr. Fox?
Objective: To help children build listening skills, counting, coordination, spatial awareness, controlling their bodies in start/stop motions while having fun.
Equipment/Setup
- Adequate space for movement
- Optional: Floor markers, cones, or tape for start/finish lines
How to Play: Choose one player (or adult) to be Mr. Fox. The other children stand at the opposite end from the adult and call out, "What Time is it, Mr. Fox?" Mr. Fox answers with a number (example, '3 o'clock') and children take that number of steps forward. Players continue to ask the question/take steps forward until Mr. Fox answers with "It's dinner time!", where players must turn around and run back to the start line without getting caught by Mr. Fox. If Mr. Fox tags a player, that player will join the current Mr. Fox to catch more kids the next round. Play until the last player is standing.
Modification Chart
| Level | Modification | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 🟡 0-1 year old | Adult acts out the game and moves baby's legs for each "step". Adult will pause dramatically on "Dinner Time!". | Listening, Cause & Effect |
| 🟣 1-2 year old | Adult models walking and stopping. Simplify to 'Walk, Stop!' instead of full sentences. Let toddlers take 1-2 steps before adult says "Stop!". | Imitation, Gross Motor Balance |
| 🟢 2-3 year old | Use small number steps (1-3) with Mr. Fox being the adult. Emphasize words like "walk", "stop", and "run back" to practice motion words. | Following Directions, Counting |
| 🟠 3-4 year old | Use 1-5 steps with kids now taking turns as Mr. Fox. Begin to incorporate different ways of stepping, such as animal walks. | Listening, Counting |
| 🔴 4-5 year old | Allow children to fully lead as Mr. Fox, where they can choose the times. Practice safe chasing and stopping, with other moves than walking. | Decision Making, More Complex Moves |