Classic Recess Games

Name:

Date:

Instructions: The school bell rang and recess began! How well do you remember the games that filled schoolyards across America?

1.
In the schoolyard game of Dodgeball, what was the main objective?
A
Hit opponents with the ball while avoiding being hit yourself
B
Throw the ball the farthest
C
Score the most points
D
Catch the ball the most times
2.
What schoolyard game involved two teams lined up facing each other, with one team calling a player to 'come over'?
A
Red Rover
B
Relay Race
C
Capture the Flag
D
Tug of War
3.
Tetherball involved hitting a ball attached by a rope to what?
A
A fence post
B
A metal pole
C
A tree
D
Another player
4.
In the game of Tag, what was the designated safe area where players couldn't be tagged called?
A
The safe zone
B
The den
C
Home plate
D
Base
5.
What schoolyard game was played with a large ball that was kicked instead of thrown?
A
Soccer
B
Kickball
C
Football
D
Punt Ball
6.
In the game of Simon Says, when were players supposed to follow the command?
A
Only when the leader said 'Simon Says' first
B
Always
C
Only on even-numbered turns
D
Only when the leader clapped
7.
What recess game involved bouncing a ball against the school building wall while performing tasks?
A
Bounce Ball
B
Handball
C
Wall Ball
D
Stoop Ball
8.
Duck, Duck, Goose was a popular game for younger students. What did the 'Goose' have to do?
A
Count to ten
B
Sit in the center
C
Quack like a goose
D
Chase the person who tagged them around the circle
9.
What was the name of the game where children lined up and passed a ball overhead and between legs alternately?
A
Hot Potato
B
Over-Under Relay
C
Ball Brigade
D
Pass the Ball
10.
Tug of War required what piece of equipment?
A
A net
B
A whistle
C
A long thick rope
D
A ball
11.
What counting method did children commonly use to decide who would be 'It' in a game?
A
Drawing straws
B
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe
C
Flipping a coin
D
Rock, paper, scissors
12.
In the game of Chinese Jump Rope (elastics), where did players hook the elastic band?
A
Around the ankles of two holders
B
Around a pole
C
Around their wrists
D
Around their necks
13.
What game involved a person hiding their eyes against a wall and counting while others ran to hide?
A
Ghost in the Graveyard
B
Marco Polo
C
Sardines
D
Hide and Seek
14.
What schoolyard activity involved two players facing each other and clapping hands in rhythm while chanting?
A
Thumb wrestling
B
Finger counting
C
Patty-cake (hand-clapping games)
D
Arm wrestling
15.
What was the standard signal that recess was over and children had to return to class?
A
A teacher's whistle
B
A flag being raised
C
A loudspeaker announcement
D
The school bell ringing

Answer Key

Question 1

A. Hit opponents with the ball while avoiding being hit yourself

Question 2

A. Red Rover

Question 3

B. A metal pole

Question 4

D. Base

Question 5

B. Kickball

Question 6

A. Only when the leader said 'Simon Says' first

Question 7

B. Handball

Question 8

D. Chase the person who tagged them around the circle

Question 9

B. Over-Under Relay

Question 10

C. A long thick rope

Question 11

B. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe

Question 12

A. Around the ankles of two holders

Question 13

D. Hide and Seek

Question 14

C. Patty-cake (hand-clapping games)

Question 15

D. The school bell ringing

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