Dog Chases Its Tail

This game mimics the silliness and futility of a dog chasing its tail. To start, players line up, holding each other around the waist. (Do not allow kids to hook fingers through belts or belt loops--this results in ripped clothing and hurt fingers.) The last player tucks a bandanna in her pocket, or under her belt or waistband, so that it hangs down. Next, the front of the line begins to chase the end of the line, attempting to grab the bandanna. Players in the middle can help or hinder the head or the tail, depending on their whims. If the line breaks, the player who let go must step out, shortening the line.

For a two-team variation, set up two lines of kids, creating two dogs who can chase each other's tails. Here, each dog has a great deal of incentive to protect its own tail and to keep from breaking itself in two (making for a gentler game on hands and arms). The first team to lose its tail or break its chain loses.