Mr Wolf

Getting Going with a Game of Mr Wolf

There aren’t many classics quite like “What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?”! It’s a great way to get kids moving, develop their counting skills, and have fun together. Here’s a short step-by-step guide on playing that you and your students can use:

• Set the Scene

The game begins with one child chosen to be “Mr Wolf.” This child stands at one end of the playground, facing away from the rest of the group. The players stand in a line at the opposite end of the playground, facing the Wolf.

• Ask the Question

The players shout in unison, “What’s the time, Mr Wolf?” as they wait for a response. This is the key phrase that sets the game in motion.

• Mr Wolf’s Response

Mr Wolf replies with a time, such as “It’s 3 o’clock!” The players must then take the corresponding number of steps forward – in this case, three steps.

• Repeat the Question

After each movement, the players ask the question again: “What’s the time, Mr Wolf?” The game continues in this pattern, with the players moving closer to Mr Wolf each time a time is given.

• Dinner Time!
  

At any point, instead of giving a time, Mr Wolf can shout “Dinner time!” When this happens, Mr Wolf turns and chases the players, trying to tag one before they can run back to the starting line.

If Mr Wolf successfully tags a player, that child becomes the new Wolf, and the game starts again. If no one is caught, Mr Wolf remains in place, and the game goes around again.

After a few times, your students might want a few variations to keep the game interesting.

Making Mr Wolf More Creative

• Different Movements: Instead of walking forward, children can incorporate different movements when stepping forward, such as hopping, skipping, or tiptoeing, making the game more engaging and physically challenging.
• Reverse the Roles: The Wolf could start closer to the players, and instead of moving forward, they must take steps backwards, adding an extra level of difficulty.
• Themed Time Announcements: To make the game more imaginative, players can create themes for the time of day. For instance, instead of simply saying “It’s 4 o’clock,” Mr Wolf might say, “It’s bedtime!” and players take slower, sleepier steps, or “It’s lunchtime!” and players could pretend to gobble up imaginary food as they move.

Any of these game variations will benefit your students, allowing them to cultivate and nurture their skills.

How Can Mr Wolf Help Students Achieve Excellence?

In Kids’ Physical Development

The game involves a variety of movements such as walking, stopping, and running, all of which help children improve their gross motor skills. The act of stepping forward in response to the Wolf’s time calls encourages coordination and balance, while the sudden burst of running when “Dinner time!” is called helps children work on their agility and reaction time.

Keeping children active during the school day is crucial for their overall health and fitness. “What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?” encourages constant movement in a way that feels like play rather than exercise, helping to improve cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and burn off energy during break times.

As a Support for Social Skills

The game requires children to communicate with one another, coordinating their movements and working together to follow the instructions given by the Wolf. As they take part in a shared activity, they develop an understanding of cooperation and collective fun, essential for social interaction in a school setting.

Taking turns being the Wolf allows children to step into the role of leader. The Wolf is in control of the game, making decisions on the time and when to chase the other players. This rotation of roles ensures that all children have a chance to lead, which helps build confidence and critical thinking skills, as they learn all about opportunity and decide when is best to call “Dinner Time”.

A Foundation for Growth in Cognitive Skills

The game reinforces basic numeracy in a fun, non-classroom environment. Each time the Wolf announces a time, the players must count out the corresponding number of steps. For younger children, it’s also a playful way to practise counting, while older children might begin to think about the relationship between numbers, time, and space.

As children move forward in response to the Wolf’s commands, they also begin to judge distances, timing their steps and calculating how far they need to move. This helps to improve their spatial awareness – an important skill that supports their overall cognitive development and readiness for more complex learning.

This learning isn’t only available to neurotypical children, either – the game is also good for helping the progress of students with SEND.

How is Mr Wolf Good Enrichment for Students with SEND?

As well as the benefits listed above, Mr Wolf has lots of potential to help inspire, motivate, and engage students with SEND. This is achieved through:

• Visual Cues: The bold, bright markings are easy to see, helping children with visual impairments navigate the game safely and confidently.
• Sensory Engagement: The game combines movement, counting, and listening, offering a multi-sensory experience that engages children with sensory processing needs.
• Inclusive Play: Its simple rules and adaptable pace make it accessible for children of all abilities, allowing everyone to take part at their own level, with minimal equipment required and no pressure to continue if the game becomes overwhelming.

These features ensure that the game supports a wide range of needs, fostering an inclusive and fun playground experience – as well as a wider sense of community.

By adding in a set of our permanent playground markings, students can even enjoy them for years to come.

Why Should You Choose Long-Lasting Mr Wolf Markings?

Durability and Longevity

Our high-quality markings are built to last for years with minimal upkeep, backed by a 4-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Anti-Slip and Weather-Resistant

Designed to withstand the typical British weather, these markings remain vibrant and usable all year round, ensuring safe and consistent play.

Ease of Use and Accessibility

With no need for set-up, the game is always ready to play, making it easy for teachers to incorporate into lessons or break times.

A Host of Customisation Options

We can tailor the markings to fit your school’s needs, offering site surveys to visualise the best layout for your playground.

With a little bit of initiative, you can even use these markings for other games – if your pupils aren’t in the mood to play the traditional game.

Other Ideas for Mr Wolf Markings

The inclusion of a wolf should stir your students’ imaginations when coming up with their own games and make-believe play. Meanwhile, you might choose to utilise the markings across subjects, for numeracy games, physical education, or even storytelling sessions. These simple markings help bring lessons to life by integrating counting, directions, and sequences, supporting both literacy and problem-solving skills. As a result, you can run wild with them!

Take the Time to Transform Your Playground Today

Makeover your school’s outdoor space with durable, engaging, and customisable permanent playground markings. Designs & Lines offers high-quality, weather-resistant solutions that foster creativity, support inclusivity, and provide endless fun for students. With over 20 years of experience and a 4-year warranty, we offer a hassle-free installation that’s built to last.

Get in touch today to request a free site survey and discover how we can help you create a vibrant and interactive play environment. Contact us now for a quote and let’s make playtime more exciting for your students!