Finger Catch

Materials

• No special equipment is needed.

How to play

1. Face a partner. One makes a loose ring with one hand; the other puts an index fingertip inside. Anyone avoiding touch may observe or give the signal.
2. On “Catch!”, the ring-maker gently closes around the fingertip while the other withdraws their hand straight back. Do not squeeze or chase the hand.
3. Check whether the finger was caught, then release immediately. If it hurt or the signal was missed, replay without a win or loss.
4. Swap roles and try three times each. Later, mix in similar-sounding words and respond only to the agreed cue.

Ways to adapt

Preschool children: usually demonstrate opening and closing hands without contact. Younger primary school children: one-to-one play. Older primary school children: still use only gentle contact.

Sources and references

• 東京少年少女センター『キャッチ』 ↗