This is a classic activity that I love because it is simple and high energy. The boys love to run and even my younger ones have started showing that they know their colors (most of the time). I figured now was the perfect time to introduce this classic activity to them.
This activity is part of our FREE Preschool and Toddler curriculum’s Transportation Theme. If you like this activity, you are sure to enjoy the others that go along with this theme.
This first step is optional, but I found that it was more exciting to have signs for the child calling out the light colors. It also gave my younger ones a visual cue as to what they were supposed to do. 
Materials: 3 Pieces of construction paper (red, green, and yellow), scissors, tape, and jumbo craft sticks (I did not have craft sticks on hand, so I improvised with paintbrushes. It just so happened I had red, green, and yellow handled paintbrushes, so it worked out well.)
Directions: Cut a circle out of each of the three pieces of construction papers and tape a craft stick (or in this case, paintbrush) to the back of each one. This took me less than 5 minuets to do once I gathered all of the materials.
Next is the fun part! The actual game. We headed outside with our signs in hand and I explained the rules of the game:
- Everyone starts behind the starting line (I drew a line with chalk on the sidewalk).
- When I hold up the green sign it means “Go” and the children run as fast as they can to the other side of the yard where I am holding the signs. The yellow sign means “Slow Down” and the children must walk. Lastly, the red sign means “Stop” and the children must stop and wait for the next sign choice.
- First child to reach the other side of the yard wins. (I continued playing until all children had gotten across the yard.)
My 4 year old really enjoyed being the sign holder while the other children ran.
This activity was lots of fun for all of the children. My older ones took turns being the sign holders, while the younger ones enjoyed the running and stopping.
Extension Activity
I have to give credit to my 4 year old for this next idea. He suggested everyone get one of our outside toys (tricycle, push cars, etc.) and then play the game. Here they are all racing to the other side of the yard.
While this was a fun extension. I recommend that children are more familiar with the game before adding an extra gross motor obstacle to it. The kids had fun, but some of my younger ones had trouble listening to the commands and making their vehicle work.
Have you introduced this classic activity to your kids yet? Let me know in the comments down below of some other classic activities your kids love to play.
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