Indoor recess

Ghost in the Graveyard

One student hides as the "ghost" while the class counts the clock, then everyone searches. Whoever spots the ghost yells "Ghost in the graveyard!" and races back to base.

  • 🎓 Grades K–5
  • ⏱ 15–25 min
  • 👥 Whole class
  • 📦 No prep
🎲 Another game

How to play Ghost in the Graveyard

  1. Pick one student to be the ghost and choose a "base" area.
  2. Everyone else closes their eyes at base and counts "1 o'clock, 2 o'clock..." up to "midnight!" while the ghost hides.
  3. Students go out to look for the ghost.
  4. The first student to spot the ghost shouts "Ghost in the graveyard!" and everyone runs (or fast-walks) back to base.
  5. If the ghost tags someone before they reach base, that student is the next ghost.

Variations

  • Indoor version: the ghost hides somewhere in the classroom and students "freeze" when they spot them instead of running.

💡 Teacher tips

  • Best on the playground or in the gym. Indoors, make it walking only.
How to play Ghost in the Graveyard: printable classroom rule card with the steps, time (15–25 min), grades k–5 and prep

📌 Rule card to print or pin

The rules of Ghost in the Graveyard on one card. Print it for the board or a sub folder, or save it to Pinterest for later.

Save to Pinterest Download / print rule card
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