Spiders and Flies

The Spiders and Flies icebreaker game is a lively and engaging activity that’s great for burning off energy in kids aged 6 and up. This game is designed to be played in medium to large groups, with no preparation or materials required, making it an ideal last-minute option. In this game, players are divided into two teams: Spiders and Flies. The Spiders move around on their hands and feet with their bellies facing up, while the Flies do the same but with their bellies facing down. The Spiders then chase after the Flies in an attempt to tag them, while the Flies try to avoid being caught. If a player is tagged, they must sit where they were caught until a teammate can tap them three times and bring them back to life. The game continues until all of the Flies have been caught, at which point the teams switch roles for the next round.

This icebreaker game is an excellent way to promote teamwork, communication, and quick thinking skills. By randomizing the teams, you can create new and diverse groupings that encourage participants to work together with people they may not know well. The Spiders and Flies icebreaker game can be played both indoors and outdoors in any clean and open space. It’s an adaptable and enjoyable activity that is sure to be a hit at any gathering!

• Split everybody up into 2 groups of equal size.
• The Spiders move around on their hands and feet with belly facing up.
• The Flies move around on their hands and feet with belly facing down.
• Spiders try to tag Flies while Flies avoid being tagged.
• If a player is tagged, they stop moving and sit where they were tagged.
• A Fly can save a team member by tapping them three times and bringing them back to life.
• The game ends when all Flies have been caught.
• The captured Flies become the next Spiders for round 2.
• If playing with a spider’s den variation, spiders take captured flies to the den and leave them there.

• Open play area: A clean and spacious area, either indoors or outdoors, where children can move around freely. Make sure to remove any sharp or unsafe objects before playing.

To set up for the Spiders and Flies icebreaker activity, follow these steps:

1. Find a suitable location: Choose an open space, either indoors or outdoors, that is clean and large enough for players to move around freely. Ensure that any sharp or unsafe objects are removed from the area before starting the game.
2. Set boundaries for the play area: Determine the limits of the game area by using physical markers or making it clear where the boundaries are. This will help prevent players from wandering off and getting injured.
3. Divide participants into equal groups: Split the group into two teams, aiming for equal numbers in each team to ensure a fair game. Make sure there is a clear understanding of which players belong to each team.
4. Explain Spiders and Flies roles: Inform players that Spiders will move on their hands and feet with their bellies facing up, while Flies will move on their hands and feet with their bellies facing down. This will help create an engaging and active experience for all participants.

1. Split the group into two equal teams: I start by dividing everyone in the group into two teams. Each team will have a different role in the game.
2. Decide on the roles: I explain to one team that they will be the “Spiders” and their goal is to tag as many members of the other team, known as the “Flies”, as possible. The second team will be the Flies and their objective is to avoid being tagged by the Spiders.
3. Assume the starting positions: I instruct both teams to get into their starting positions. The Spiders will be on their hands and feet with their bellies facing up, while the Flies will be in a similar position but with their bellies facing down.
4. Start the game: I give the signal for the Spiders and Flies to start moving around the play area. The Spiders will try to tag as many Flies as they can, while the Flies will do their best to avoid being caught.
5. Resurrecting a Fly: If a Fly is tagged by a Spider, they must stop moving and wait to be rescued. Another Fly can come and tap them three times to bring them back to life.
6. Switch teams: Once all of the Flies have been caught, the game is over. The Flies then become the next round’s Spiders and the game starts again!

This icebreaker game is a fun way to encourage teamwork, get people moving, and build connections within a group. By randomizing the teams, everyone has the opportunity to work with someone new and strengthen their relationships with each other.

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• Boosts Physical Activity: The Spiders and Flies game encourages kids to be active, moving around on their hands and feet as they play, which helps improve their strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.
• Encourages Teamwork: By working together to tag opposing players or save team members, kids learn the importance of collaboration and communication in achieving a common goal.
• Develops Reaction Time: The game requires quick reflexes as players must react quickly to avoid being tagged or catch their opponents. This helps improve reaction time, which is an important skill for many sports and activities.
• Improves Social Skills: Playing in a group setting with randomized teams allows kids to interact with new people and build relationships, improving their social skills and confidence.
• Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: The game’s variations, such as the spider’s den, require players to think strategically and solve problems to achieve their goals, helping to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Provides a Fun and Engaging Experience: With no preparation or materials needed, this game is a great way to provide kids with a fun and engaging experience that encourages physical activity and social interaction.

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• Reaction time: Playing Spiders and Flies requires quick reflexes as players need to react quickly to avoid being tagged by the opposing team. This helps improve reaction time and promotes alertness in a fun and engaging way.
• Teamwork: In order to win, both teams must work together effectively. The flies must communicate and collaborate to save their teammates, while the spiders must strategize and coordinate to tag as many flies as possible. This encourages cooperation and builds teamwork skills that are valuable in many areas of life.
• Physical activity: Spiders and Flies is a highly active game that involves running, crawling, and jumping. Engaging in this type of physical activity helps children develop strong muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and maintain a healthy weight.
• Body awareness: The unique body positions required for both spiders and flies (hands and feet on the ground with belly facing up or down) help players become more aware of their bodies and how they move through space. This increased body awareness can lead to improved balance, coordination, and overall physical confidence.
• Social skills: Playing Spiders and Flies in a mixed group helps children develop social skills such as communication, empathy, and respect for others. They learn to work together, support one another, and celebrate their victories as a team.
• Problem-solving: Strategizing with team members to outsmart the opposing team encourages problem-solving skills. Players must think on their feet and adapt to changing circumstances, fostering critical thinking abilities that are beneficial in various aspects of life.

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I appreciate the Spiders and Flies icebreaker game for its simplicity, adaptability, and the opportunity it provides for physical activity and teamwork. I enjoy how this game encourages players to engage with one another in a fun and dynamic way, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor events.

The game’s rules are straightforward, yet offer enough variation to keep things interesting. By having players move differently based on their team roles, Spiders and Flies adds a unique twist that keeps participants engaged and active throughout the game. The ability to save tagged teammates also promotes collaboration and strategy, making it an enjoyable experience for kids aged 6 and above.

One aspect I particularly like about this icebreaker is its minimal preparation and material requirements. This feature makes it a convenient option when planning last-minute activities or events. Additionally, the game’s flexible group size requirement allows it to be played in various settings, from small gatherings to larger events with numerous participants.

Incorporating a spider’s den variation adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the game. This option encourages players to think strategically about their movements and increases the importance of teamwork in successfully saving captured teammates.

Lastly, I enjoy the potential for Spiders and Flies to act as a great icebreaker by randomizing teams. By mixing up group members, participants have the opportunity to work with new people, fostering connections and collaboration that can help create a more enjoyable atmosphere at any event or gathering.

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• Tip: Modify the game rules to accommodate different abilities: Consider allowing players to choose their own movements, such as crawling or walking, instead of requiring them to be on their hands and feet. This will enable players with mobility limitations to fully participate in the game.
• Tip: Use color-coded teams for easy identification: Assign each team a specific colored armband, scarf, or hat, so it’s easier for everyone to identify which team they are on. This can help reduce confusion and ensure all players feel included.
• Tip: Encourage communication among teammates: Promote teamwork by asking team members to communicate with each other using descriptive words, gestures, or non-verbal cues. This will make the game more inclusive for children who may not be as physically adept but have strong communication skills.
• Tip: Pair players with different abilities: Encourage inclusion by pairing a player with mobility limitations with a more agile teammate. This way, they can work together to achieve success in the game.
• Tip: Emphasize fun over competition: Instead of focusing on winning and losing, encourage players to enjoy the experience and focus on having fun while playing Spiders and Flies. A positive atmosphere will make everyone feel welcome and included.

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1. What did you enjoy most about playing Spiders and Flies? This question can help participants reflect on what they found fun or enjoyable during the game, allowing them to identify their preferences for group activities.
2. How did you feel when you were tagged by the opposing team? By asking this question, facilitators can encourage participants to discuss moments of challenge and how they coped with failure, which is an important aspect of personal growth.
3. Did you have a chance to work together with someone new on your team? If so, how did that experience go? This question highlights the importance of teamwork in the game, offering insights into how participants collaborated and built connections with their peers during the activity.
4. If you were a fly, what strategies did you use to avoid being tagged by spiders? If you were a spider, how did you try to catch as many flies as possible? Encouraging reflection on strategy can help participants think critically about the game and consider different approaches they could take in similar situations.
5. What did you learn from playing this icebreaker game that could be helpful for future group activities? This question allows facilitators to gauge how well participants grasped the significance of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in group activities, as well as encouraging them to apply these lessons to future experiences.

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