No.295
Mother, May I?
Japanese name: マザー・メイ・アイ（進んでもいい？）
Materials
- Markers for the start and finish lines
How to play
- Choose one caller. The others line up at the start. The caller stands near the finish, 5–8 m away, with their back to the group. Players ask permission one at a time, in order.
- The first player proposes a number and type of step: “May I take one giant step?” In this version, choose giant, tiny or ordinary steps, with at most three steps per request.
- If the caller says yes, only that player takes the requested steps. If the answer is “not yet”, stay still. Wait for the answer before moving.
- Pass the turn along the line so everyone asks once per round. The caller must not repeatedly hold back one player; in this version, after two refusals that player’s next request must be granted.
- The first person to reach the finish succeeds and becomes the next caller. Let everyone walk to the finish before lining up again. Reverse the question order for the next game.
Ways to adapt
Preschool: an adult is caller and shows step numbers with fingers. Younger primary: children ask and answer independently. Use no running, backward movement or diving jumps.