Statues (game) Facts for Kids

Statues is a fun children's game known by different names around the world. In the United States, it's often called Red Light, Green Light. In the United Kingdom, people might know it as Grandmother's Footsteps. The way you play this game can change a little depending on where you are.

How to Play Statues
Different Ways to Play
Images for kids
See Also

How to Play Statues

In this game, one person is chosen to be the "Curator" (or "It," "Granny," or "Pooh"). This person stands at one end of a playing area. All the other players, who are the "Statues," stand at the far opposite end. The main goal of the game is for a "Statue" to reach and tag the "Curator." If a player tags the "Curator," that player then becomes the new "Curator," and a new round begins.

To start, the "Curator" turns their back to the "Statues." While the "Curator" is not looking, the "Statues" try to run across the playing area as fast as they can. They want to get closer to the "Curator."

The game gets tricky when the "Curator" suddenly turns around. As soon as the "Curator" faces the "Statues," everyone must freeze! They have to hold their position perfectly still. The "Curator" can walk around and check if anyone is moving. But remember, the "Curator" needs to be careful. If they turn their back again, the "Statues" are free to move once more!

If a "Statue" is caught moving while the "Curator" is looking, they usually have to go back to the starting line. Sometimes, they might be out of that round completely. Being a "Statue" is often more fun than being the "Curator," so players usually try their best to be honest and stay still.

Different Ways to Play

This game has many cool variations. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Red Light, Green Light

This version is very popular, especially in the United States. The person who is "It" stands at one end of the playing field. All the other players are at the other end. "It" turns their back to the players and shouts, "Green Light!" or "1, 2, 3! Red Light! Green Light!" While "Green Light" is called, players run towards "It."

At any moment, "It" can quickly turn around and yell, "Red Light!" When "Red Light" is called, all players must freeze instantly. If anyone fails to stop moving, they are either out of the game or must go back to the starting line. The first player to reach and touch the person who is "It" wins the round. That player then becomes "It" for the next game.

In the Netherlands, a similar game is played. Instead of "Green Light," the "It" person sings "Annemaria" slowly. Then, they quickly and loudly shout "Koekkoek!" (which means "Cuckoo!") as they turn around. "Koekkoek!" is also used in a game like "Peek-a-boo" with babies.

Grandmother's Footsteps

In this simple version, the "Curator" is called "Granny." "Granny" does not say anything before turning around to face the players. The rules for moving and freezing are the same as in the main game.

Winnie the Pooh

This variation of Statues is popular in places like Bulgaria. The person playing "Pooh" (the "Curator") usually leans against a wall. "Pooh" then shouts, "1, 2, 3, Winnie the Pooh, stop!" This phrase is long enough for players to run a good distance. It also sounds fun because it rhymes in Bulgarian.

After shouting, "Pooh" turns to face the players. If a player manages to tag "Pooh," they then have to run away quickly. "Pooh" will try to catch them. If the player can run back to the wall where "Pooh" was leaning before being caught, they become the new "Pooh." Then, the game starts over. In this version, being "Pooh" is often seen as the most exciting role!