No.292
Sardines: Gather-and-Hide
Japanese name: サーディンズ（集まるかくれんぼ）
Materials
- Markers for the boundaries and meeting point
- An end signal everyone can hear
How to play
- Choose one person to hide while everyone else waits at the meeting point for 30 seconds. An adult shows the boundaries and off-limits places. Use only hiding places where the whole group could stand comfortably.
- On the signal, the others start searching. Walk, look around and stay within the boundary. When you find the hidden person, quietly join them without announcing the discovery.
- Each finder now hides with the group and waits for more searchers. Never squeeze or push into a small space; spread out beside the group if necessary.
- Sound the end signal when the last searcher finds the group or the agreed 5 minutes end. Everyone, both hidden players and searchers, returns to the meeting point.
- An adult counts everyone. The first finder hides next; alternatively, prioritise someone who has not hidden yet. Change locations and play two or three rounds.
Ways to adapt
Preschool: walk with a caregiver within a small area. Younger primary: an adult stays near the hidden group. Older primary: keep to the boundary and 5-minute limit.