14 • MODULE THREE: COMMUNICATION
ACTIVITY TWO
The Chaser
Group check in
This is a serious game in which the rules of the game keep changing. What is more, an outsider
changes the rules rather than someone from inside the group. Although the outsider calls out the
changes, it is up to the children in the lines to obey or not obey that call. They can easily decide to
help either the chaser or the chased. The linking of learning to life happens in that the children
should realize, through this game, that many people feel powerless because they do not make
the right decisions. But actually in many situations they do have the power to change provided
they all work together. This activity brings issues of status, choice and decision-making together.- At least 12 children are needed for this activity. One person becomes the chaser, one the
chased and the third one the caller. Make three parallel lines with three children standing in
each line. The children hold outstretched hands at shoulder length. - The chased starts running or walking around these three lines and the chaser runs after him or
her. The chased or the chaser cannot go through the outstretched arms but has to go around
each line. When the caller says change, the three lines move 90 degrees to the right. This
continues for some time. Let as many people get a chance to be a chaser, chased or caller.
Experience from the field
A clock was drawn on the floor with markings of 3, 6, 9 and 12 on it. The children stood facing the same
side (say 9 o’clock) in three parallel lines. When the caller says “twelve,” the children move so that all face
12 o’clock. The children who are standing first or in the center have to stand in place while the others
move. This is easier for younger children to understand. (Positive Living Project, Namakkal)Review- How did the chaser feel when the instructions were changed so abruptly?
- What about the chased and the caller?
- How did the people in the lines feel?
- Did the children always obey the instructions given by the caller?
- Could they have behaved in another way?
- Would it help if only one of them wanted to help the chased or would all have to join to do
so? (See point one in this exercise.)
Relate to their current situations and ask them to reflect on what happens when outsiders
influence them. This is very common with street children, those living in the red light area or in
families with a lot of conflict. Ask them to think about what they can do and how others can help
them. For this activity, a careful review and linking to life discussion are very important.