Kitty Wants a Spot

Name and Purpose

• Kitty Wants a Spot is a silent communication and quick-reaction circle game.
• Builds non-verbal communication skills, spatial awareness, and community connection.

a.k.a.

• Corner Swap, Eye Swap

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Open circle space, indoors or outdoors

Materials

• No materials required
• Optional: cones or markers to define each player’s spot

Quick-Run Card

1. Players stand in a circle. One player is the Kitty in the centre.
2. The Kitty walks up to players and says ‘Kitty wants a spot.’
3. Players behind the Kitty silently make eye contact to arrange swaps.
4. If the Kitty spots a swap attempt, they race to claim that spot.
5. The player left without a spot becomes the new Kitty.

Setup and Boundaries

• Mark a clear circle with enough space between players to swap safely.
• Optional: small cones mark each spot so players have a clear home base.
• Signal: 1 short whistle = pause and gather. All movement stops.
• Check for uneven ground, trip hazards, or slippery surfaces before play.

How to Play

1. Players stand in a large circle, each in their own spot. One player is chosen as the Kitty and stands in the centre.
2. The Kitty walks up to any player and says ‘Kitty wants a spot.’
3. If that player is willing to give up their spot, they move to the centre and become the new Kitty.
4. If that player wants to stay, they say ‘Ask my neighbour.’
5. While the Kitty is asking, players behind the Kitty silently make eye contact and swap places. No talking allowed.
6. If the Kitty spots a swap happening, they can race to claim one of the vacated spots. The player left without a spot becomes the new Kitty.
7. Continue until everyone has had a turn or energy peaks.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Run the Kitty role energetically, race for open spots.
• S (Support): Help neighbours make eye contact, encourage smooth swaps.
• Q (Quiet): Focus on silent communication, make small deliberate eye-contact signals.
• O (Observer): Watch from just outside the circle and step in when ready.

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players who use mobility aids or move at a different pace can be the Kitty (no running required when asking for spots) or can have a buddy assist with fast movement.
• The ‘ask my neighbour’ verbal response can be replaced with a thumbs-down gesture for players who do not communicate verbally.

Stewardship Moment

• No materials used up. Optional cones collected and stored after play.
• Reflection: ‘How did you communicate without words? What did you rely on?’

Consent

• Pre-brief: ‘This game involves quick movement and silent eye contact signals. For those not comfortable with quick movement, taking turns as the Kitty who walks (no running needed) is another great option.’
• Mid-game check: After a few rounds, pause. ‘How is everyone feeling? Thumbs up, sideways, or down.’
• Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step back from their spot and watch from the side. Raise a hand to rejoin and take an open spot.

Risks and Mitigation

• Players colliding when racing for the same spot: remind players to move at a controlled pace and to look before moving.
• Kitty role feeling discouraging if the player stays in the centre for a long time: staff can call a swap after 3 unsuccessful rounds to keep energy positive.
• Slippery floors during indoor play: remind players to move carefully and not to slide.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• ‘Eye Contact Bingo’: mingle and make eye contact with 5 different people in 30 seconds.
• ‘Slow Swap’: pairs swap places in slow motion, then gradually speed up.

Debrief Questions

• What? ‘How did you decide who to swap with? What signals worked?’
• So What? ‘What does it feel like to communicate something important without words?’
• Now What? ‘Where in your day do you rely on non-verbal signals to understand others?’

Cleanup and Reset

• Collect optional cones.
• Return the space to its original layout.