Nature & Story Play

Catching Lizards with Grass Straws

A patient, nature-oriented game of skill.

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Category
Nature & Story Play
Materials
A long blade of grass or coconut frond fiber.

How It's Played

A patient, nature-oriented game of skill. Children search for common garden lizards (Anoles). They fashion a small slipknot at the end of a long, flexible blade of elephant grass or a coconut bough vein, gently sliding the loop over the lizard's head to catch it harmlessly.

Cultural Roots

Reflects an intimate connection with nature, teaching fine-motor steadiness, tracking, and wilderness patience.

Did You Play Catching Lizards with Grass Straws?

Wherever you grew up — Kingston, Montego Bay, Brooklyn, Toronto, London, Miami — if you remember playing this, we want to hear from you. Send us your story, your photos, or an old video. Every submission helps preserve this game for the next generation.

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