Reaction Speed Game — Catch the Lit Stick

An electronic reaction game. The sticks around the unit light up one at a time, at random, and you have to grab the lit one before it goes out. Every catch in time scores, and the game speeds up as it goes, so the last rounds are much harder than the first.

How you play

1. Switch the unit on and wait for the start sound.
2. Watch the sticks and keep your hand ready.
3. Grab a stick the moment it lights up.
4. Let go and get ready for the next one.
5. Play until the round ends, then try to beat your score.

What it builds

• Reaction speed, which is exactly what the game measures
• Sustained visual attention across a whole round
• Hand-eye coordination under time pressure
• Staying controlled as the pace rises, instead of grabbing wildly

Three ways to play it

• Play with one hand only, then swap hands
• Take turns and write the scores down so progress is visible
• Play standing, a step back from the unit, to make it harder

The details

• Ages: 3–8 years