The Shadow's Head

Ages 6-9

Mutty's shadow reaches the chalk circle first.

His friend runs after it, trying to step on the shadow before Mutty moves.

Mutty laughs and turns. His shadow slides away.

Then his friend steps on the back of his shoe.

The heel slips down.

Mutty stops and pulls it up. His friend waits beside the circle.

"Again?"

Mutty looks at his shoe, then at the long shadow across the pavement.

"Stay at the head end. Not my feet."

His friend moves toward the far end of the shadow.

Mutty turns slowly. His shadow's head sweeps past the circle.

His friend runs for it, stopping well away from Mutty's shoes.

The shadow crosses the chalk line. His friend lands one foot on its head.

"Got it!"

Mutty leaves both shoes flat on the pavement.

"My turn."

His friend stands beside the circle. A second long shadow reaches toward the far side.

Mutty walks to its head end before the game begins again.