This activity, often enjoyed by children, involves participants sitting in a circle while one person walks around, tapping each seated individual on the head while saying “duck.” The walker continues this process until they choose a person to be the “goose,” at which point the walker says “goose” and the tapped person chases the walker around the circle. The goal is for the walker to return to the tapped person’s spot before being tagged. If tagged, the walker must sit in the middle of the circle, and the chasing person becomes the new walker. For example, a group of children playing at a birthday party may engage in this activity to expend energy and foster social interaction.
The participatory exercise offers several benefits, primarily in the realm of physical activity and social skills. It encourages gross motor skill development through running and chasing, while the anticipation and interaction involved cultivates essential skills like turn-taking, quick decision-making, and social engagement. Its origins are somewhat obscure, likely developing organically through children’s play over time, with variations existing across different cultures and regions. The simplistic nature of the activity makes it easily adaptable and universally accessible, requiring no equipment or complex instructions.
