Ducks and Cows

Name and Purpose

Ducks and Cows is a quick, playful way to split a large group into two smaller teams.
It builds a sense of fun and shared identity right before a new activity begins.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Materials

Quick-Run Card

One leader quietly taps each player on the shoulder and whispers “duck” or “cow.”
On signal, all players close or cover their eyes.
Players find their team by making only their assigned animal sound.
Once a player finds their group, they can open their eyes and stay in place.
Teams are ready for the next activity.

Setup and Boundaries

Clear the play area of obstacles before starting, as players will be moving with eyes closed
Signal: one short whistle = start; two whistles = everyone open eyes and stop
Staff position themselves at the edges of the group to gently redirect any player heading toward a hazard

How to Play

One leader moves quietly through the group, tapping each player on the shoulder and whispering either “duck” or “cow.”
Divide the group as evenly as you want. Assign a few extra players to one side if needed.
When everyone has been assigned, the leader gives the start signal.
All players close or cover their eyes and begin making their animal sound.
Players slowly move toward the sound of their matching animal.
Once they find their group, players open their eyes and wait.
When all players have found their team, the leader signals the end.

I-OPt Options

Start: A (Active): Make your sound loudly and move toward your team right away; S (Support): Make your sound near someone who seems uncertain and help them find the group; Q (Quiet): Make a softer version of your sound and move carefully; O (Observer): Keep your eyes open and watch, joining a team at the end
Mid: A: Keep calling and moving; S: Call your sound toward a player who looks lost; Q: Stay near the edge and listen for your group; O: Watch and step in when the groups are nearly formed
Late: A: Signal your group’s location with a raised hand once your eyes are open; S: Guide a still-searching player gently; Q: Settle quietly into your group; O: Join whichever group has fewer players
End: All players stand with their team, ready for what is next

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who are not comfortable closing their eyes can hold a hand over their eyes or simply participate with eyes open while still making their sound
Players who are non-verbal or prefer not to make sounds can hold a card with their animal written on it and point to it as they move

Stewardship Moment

No materials, so there is nothing to clean up
Reflection: “You found your group using only sound. What else do you find your way by, without being able to see?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This activity involves closing your eyes and moving around slowly. For those not comfortable with eyes closed, keeping your eyes open is completely fine. Moving carefully is what matters.”
Mid-game check: Not needed for a short transition tool, but staff watch for any player who seems uncertain and can guide them gently.
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step to the side, open their eyes, and be assigned to a team by a staff member.

Risks and Mitigation

Players colliding while eyes are closed: remind players to move slowly and hold their arms slightly out in front
A player feels anxious about closed eyes: normalise eyes-open participation before the activity starts
Uneven teams: if one sound has too many players, a staff member quietly reassigns one or two before the start signal

Warm-Up Suggestions

Quick “animal parade”: each player picks an animal and does its movement across the room, to loosen up and warm up to animal themes
“Sound match”: leader makes two different sounds; players point left or right depending on which sound they hear, to prime listening

Debrief Questions

What? “How did you find your group? What helped you?”
So What? “What made it harder or easier to trust your senses?”
Now What? “When do you rely on listening more than looking in your everyday life?”

Cleanup and Reset