Fanuary

Name and Purpose

Fanuary is a whole-group dash game where players sprint across a space based on true statements about themselves.
It builds self-awareness, quick decision-making, and joyful movement for a wide range of ages.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 15-40 players | 10-20 minutes | Large gym or open field with two clear end lines, 30 feet apart

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Mark two end lines 30 feet apart. Players split into two groups, one at each end.
Staff caller stands in the middle.
Caller announces a characteristic (e.g., “wearing blue,” “born in summer”). Anyone it applies to dashes to the opposite line without being tagged.
Tagged players kneel where tagged and may reach out to lightly tap runners passing close by.
Caller calls “Fanuary!” and everyone still standing dashes at once.

Setup and Boundaries

Place 2 cones (or a rope) at each end line; no out-of-bounds on the sides, but ask players to stay within a reasonable lane
Signal: 1 short whistle or raised hand = pause; 2 whistles or clap = stop and gather
Check ground for wet patches, holes, or debris before play begins

How to Play

Players stand in two lines facing each other across the field.
The caller (staff or volunteer) stands in the middle.
Caller announces a characteristic that applies to some players (e.g., “wearing red,” “your birthday is in the fall”).
Players the characteristic applies to dash to the opposite line. Others stay put.
Tagged mid-run players kneel where tagged. They become stationary helpers and can lightly tap runners who pass within reach.
Caller continues calling new characteristics. Players already kneeling stay down.
When the caller shouts “Fanuary!” every standing player dashes at once.
Kneeling players: after each “Fanuary” round, they rejoin as standing players on whichever side they are closest to.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Dash across the field when your characteristic is called
S (Support): Volunteer as caller for a round; choose creative characteristics
Q (Quiet): Walk instead of run; move at your own pace across the field
O (Observer): Watch from the sideline, track which characteristics get called most often, choose when to join

Inclusion Adaptations

Walking-pace option: players may walk rather than dash at any time, no explanation needed
Caller may pause between calls to allow all movement styles to reach the other side safely

Stewardship Moment

Cones and rope store neatly in 60 seconds after play
Ask: “We just paid attention to things we have in common. How can we do that more often in our group?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “In this game I’ll call out characteristics that might apply to you. For anyone not comfortable running, walking across is a perfectly great option.”
Mid-game check: After 5 minutes, pause. “Quick thumbs check. Up, sideways, or down. How is everyone going?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player may step to the side at any time. Call “In!” to re-enter on the next round.

Risks and Mitigation

Mid-field collisions when many players dash at once: remind players to look up while running and give way
Kneeling players in high-traffic areas: remind standing players to be aware of those kneeling on the ground
Caller asking characteristics that single out or embarrass: brief caller to keep statements lighthearted and group-level (clothing, seasons, foods) rather than personal or sensitive

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Something in Common”: players find one partner and name two things they share in 30 seconds
Light jog from one end line to the other to settle into the space

Debrief Questions

What? “What were some of the characteristics called that surprised you?”
So What? “What did you notice about who ran at the same time as you?”
Now What? “How might knowing what you have in common with others change how you see them?”

Cleanup and Reset