1,2,3 Dragon
Multicultural Games

State the name of your game and why you chose it.

The name of the game is 1,2,3 Dragon. We chose it because it can include everyone, because it's tiring, because of its simplicity, and because it looked fun and challenging.

List the countries where it is played and its origin.

Variations of the game are played all over the world, but with different rules, scoring, and names.

1,2,3 Dragon originated in China and is played by small children, usually to celebrate the New Year. During the Chinese New Year they have dancing dragons., games and food. Dragons are important because they mean good luck.

Describe how your game is played. State the object of the game. Clearly describe the rules.

• 10 or more people form a line with each player holding the shoulders of the person in front of them.
• The person in the front is the "Head."
• The person at the back of the line is the "Tail."

To Begin:

• The tail shouts "1,2,3 dragon."
• The head leads the line and tries to catch the tail.
• The line must stay together the whole time.

End of a Round:

• If the dragon breaks, the dragon dies. The head moves to the end of the line and becomes the tail.
• If the head catches the tail play stops and the head goes to the end of the line.
• The second person in line now becomes the head.

Object:

• The object is to tag the tail as many times as you an while you are the head. A point is scored for each successful tag. Some people prefer to play without points.

List the equipment needed.

• 10 or more players.
• Playing area.
• Ages: 8 or older

Make recommendations for what type of athlete would enjoy playing this game. What skills does it demand?

Jillian: To play this game you have to be a pretty good runner.

Mike: A printer or a track runner would enjoy playing this game most because it involves a lot of running. But it an be well enjoyed by most other athletes. It is a cooperative game and would be most appreciated around the Chinese New Year.

Kathryn: This is a simple game to play and would be good for mostly any type of athlete. The athlete must be a good runner because the game includes a lot of cooperative running. Also, they would have to be able to work with their team mates.

What are your feelings about this game? Did you enjoy playing it? Would you recommend it?

Jillian: I really think this is a fun game. It isn't fun if people don't cooperate. It may get a little boring after awhile. It's easy to play, you don't need any equipment, and you can play it anywhere.

Mike: I feel that the game might be good for younger children to learn cooperative skills and for older children to reinforce them. The game is very simple and fast paced. This is not a game that is played professionally. It is more of a playground recess game which could add an interesting twist.

Kathryn: I think this is a fun game for teaching cooperation and running skills. But it seems a little childish for our age. It is a good game for parties and recreation, but it is not really a sports-like game. It would be best for 2nd graders to use as a cooperation game but not as a 6th grade gym activity. It is definitely fun and good exercise.

 

Multicultural Games Unit   | Games Index |  Middle School  |  GAnet

Germantown Academy
P.O. Box 278
Ft. Washington, PA 19034
nsmith@ga.k12.pa.us  |  aowens@ga.k12.pa.us