The Red Light Green Light game is a popular children’s game that can be played both indoors and outdoors. Although the origin of the game is unknown, it has been played for generations and is known by different names in different countries.
Other names for the game “Red Light, Green Light” include:
- Statues Game (North America)
- Grandma’s Footsteps or Grandmother’s Footsteps Game (United Kingdom)
- Fairy Footsteps (United Kingdom)
- Daruma-san ga koronda (Japan)
These variations of the game are played in different countries and regions. In the popular Korean show “Squid Game,” the Korean chant for the game is “Mugunghwa kkoci pieot seumnida,” which translates to “the hibiscus flowers bloomed”.
Game Setup
Group Size: Ideally around 5 to 20 players.
Group Age: Ages 4 and up.
Equipment: Open Area – where you are free from obstacles and where players can move around safely.
What is Red Light Green Light Game?
The game is played with a group of children and a leader who stands at the finish line. The leader calls out “Green Light!” and turns around so he can’t see the other players moving toward the leader. When the leader calls out “Red Light!”, the leader turns around while the other players must stop moving immediately.
If a player is still moving when the leader turns back around after saying “Red Light!”, they must return to the starting line. The game continues until one player reaches the leader and tags them. The player who tags the leader becomes the new leader and the game starts again.
The game promotes listening skills, observation, agility, and gross motor skills through exercise. Variations of the game include introducing new colored lights, such as yellow light, which requires players to move in slow motion.
How to Play Red Light Green Light Game
Red Light Green Light is a fun and simple game that can be played both indoors and outdoors. Here are the steps to play the game:
1. Set Up the Playing Area
Clearly define the playing area with a designated starting line and finish line.
2. Choose the Leader
One player is chosen to be the leader, who stands at the finish line. This player will be responsible for giving commands and controlling the lights.
3. Start the Game
The leader faces away from the other players and says, “Green Light!” The other players move towards the leader.
4. Stop on Red Light
The leader then says, “Red Light!” and turns around to face the other players. The other players must stop moving immediately.
5. Return to the Starting Line
If a player is still moving when the leader says, “Red Light!”, they must return to the starting line.
6. Reach the Leader
The game continues with the leader alternating between “Green Light!” and “Red Light!” until one player reaches the leader and tags them.
7. Become the Leader
The player who tags the leader becomes the new leader and the game starts again.
Red Light Green Light Game Variations
1. Grandma’s Footsteps or Grandmother’s Footsteps Game
Grandma’s Footsteps is played almost exactly the same as Red Light Green Light except for a couple of things we have highlighted below.
- The leader is called Grandma in this version.
- Grandma doesn’t use verbal commands such as Red Light and Green Light when turning around. If Grandma sees you move when she turns around then you have to go back to the start.
Choose the player that will be Grandma first and define the starting line for the other players. Remember whenever Grandma turns around you have to stop and freeze, If Grandma sees any players moving then that player has to go back to the beginning. The first player to make it all the way to Grandma and tap her shoulder wins and gets to be the next Grandma.
2. Fairy Footsteps Game
Fairy Footsteps is similar to Grandma’s Footsteps but also differs as we have highlighted below.
- The leader is a Pixie and this version is based in a garden.
- The Pixie doesn’t use verbal commands such as Red Light and Green Light when turning around. If the Pixie sees a Fairy (or player) move when she turns around then you have to go back to the start.
Choose the player that will be the Pixie first and define the starting line for the other players which are known as Fairies in this version. Remember whenever the Pixie turns around you have to stop and freeze, If the Pixie sees any Fairies moving then they have to go back to the beginning. The first Fairy to make it all the way to the Pixie and tap her shoulder wins and gets to be the next Pixie.
3. Yellow Light Variation
Introducing new colored lights, such as yellow light, which requires players to move in slow motion.
Benefits of the Red Light Green Light Game or Grandma’s Footsteps Game
The game promotes:
– Listening skills
– Observation
– Agility
– Gross motor skills through exercise
