Play rede, running with a bottle on the head and running with a spoon

Rede is a ball game played with hands. Three players take part: one stands on the right, one on the left, and one stands in the middle.

Rede Using Tiles or Pieces of Wood

1. The middle player builds a tower by stacking tiles or pieces of wood vertically.
2. The player on the right throws the ball to the player on the left.
3. The player on the left throws the ball back, aiming at the middle player.
4. The middle player must dodge the ball while arranging one tile at a time on the tower.
5. If the middle player catches the ball, they throw it away quickly to get more time.
6. The game continues until the middle player is hit by the ball OR finishes stacking all tiles.
7. If they stack all tiles without being hit, they win!
8. If they are hit, the person who hit them becomes the new middle player.

Rede Using a Bottle Filled with Sand

This version is similar, but instead of tiles, the middle player fills a bottle with sand:

1. The middle player has a bottle and sand.
2. Players on the sides throw the ball to each other, aiming at the middle player.
3. The middle player dodges the ball while filling the bottle with sand.
4. If the middle player fills the bottle without being hit, they win!

This game helps you balance and run fast without holding anything on your head.

Steps to Play

1. Prepare your body — stretch and warm up.
2. Mark the course — decide where to start and where to finish.
3. Balance the bottle — place a bottle (or any similar container) on top of your head.
4. Wait for the leader's command — do not start until you hear "GO!"
5. Run without holding the bottle — keep your hands away from the bottle.
6. Reach the finish line first — the winner is the first person to cross without dropping the bottle.

Tip: Keep your eyes forward and walk or run smoothly to keep the bottle balanced.

This game is exciting! You carry an egg or lemon on a spoon while running.

What You Need

• A spoon
• An egg or a lemon (or a small round object like a stone)

Steps to Play

1. Warm up your body first.
2. Mark the starting and finishing points on the playground.
3. Stand at the starting point with your friends.
4. Hold the spoon in your hand and place the egg or lemon on it.
5. Wait for the leader's command like "Ready, set, go!"
6. Run without holding the egg or lemon — let the spoon carry it.
7. Cross the finish line — the winner is the first to reach the end without dropping the egg or lemon.

Tip: Move smoothly and avoid sudden jerks. If you run too fast, the egg or lemon may fall!

• Practice makes perfect — the more you play, the better you become.
• Stay focused — keep your eyes on where you are going.
• Work with your team — in rede, cooperate with your friends.
• Be patient — balance takes time to learn.

In daily life, the balance and coordination you practice in these games help you carry things carefully. For example, when you carry a tray of cups at home or help your mother carry a basket of vegetables at the market in Dodoma or Arusha, you use the same balance skills. These games also teach you to be quick and careful at the same time — useful when you need to deliver a message quickly in your village or carry water without spilling it!