Difficulty level tailoring

Nest-Tag can be played in multiple versions and difficulty levels, which the teacher can adjust based on the group’s composition and prior knowledge by simplifying or complicating the rules.

Beginners (6-7 years old): Simplified version for children aged 6-8. It is recommended to provide a smaller, designated playing area with 8-10 “nests” and to designate one tagger-runner pair. Once the game is understood, the group size can be increased. Simple rules are applied, and possible situations are clearly and visually demonstrated. The game starts and restarts after role changes on a signal, with the runner possibly given a defined advantage. The teacher supports participants with positive reinforcement and asks for feedback at the end of the game.

Advanced learners (8-9 years old): Basic game version for children aged 6–10, with a class-sized group (20–30 players) on a designated playing area. Visual demonstrations can be omitted, and rules are explained verbally. The teacher starts the game, but after role changes, the game continues without stopping, requiring quick reactions from the tagger and runner. In addition to the known rules, new game modes can be tried:

  • With an odd number of players, the game is played with 1 tagger and 2 runners.
  • The player forced out of the nest does not become a runner but instead becomes a tagger who chases the previous tagger (role exchange).

At the end of the game, it is useful to listen to participants’ feedback and ask them to recall situations that made the game particularly exciting. Emphasize successful solutions and highlight that good play can mean different things to different players.

Experts (9–10 years old): Advanced level with more complex rule variations, for children aged 8–10, class-sized groups (20–30 players), without a restricted playing area.

  • Pairs may move slowly to change positions but must not obstruct nest entry.
  • Without forming nests, pairs simply hold hands; if the runner grabs the free hand of one pair member, the other must continue running.
  • In large, experienced groups, the 2 tagger – 2 runner variant can be tried, requiring greater concentration since there is no visual aid to identify the taggers.
  • Difficulty can be further increased by playing in the role-exchange variant