In my next few posts I am going to write about versions of summertime games that I have led or observed recently. Games are great in that they pique children's interest, get them playing together, and can lead to imaginative play as well as healthy movement. The challenge is always to make sure that kids get to do all the roles.
One of the things that I have noticed is that kids love the traditional games and with small variations you can adapt them to a subject you are focusing on or various age levels.
Recently, I have been experimenting with versions of red light/ green light and how to make it fun & not always just a race. Of course for some the competition is the fun. However, there can be a balance. Ultimately everyone loves to lead and the kids love the power. But, it depends on what purpose you are trying for- how to set it up. I have notice that some children truly enjoy getting "to become" and animal.
Here are a few ways I have played it:
High tide (green) low tide (freeze) All the children choose a sea creature to be as they run. The leader is a sea gull. If she catches them they go back to the staring line. Seagull makes gull cries and flaps her wings.
Owl and mouse. At the hoot of the owl the mice must freeze.
Stop and Go with leader using just sign language. In the version my son taught me yesterday, if one person continues after the go sign is put up everyone returns to the start. It makes it a bit more of a cooperative challenge.
This game can also be made into a game such as fire in the forest, where all children choose to be an animal. The it calls out "fire in the forest" and the animals must run from one side of the forest to the other- if you become tagged you are a tree ( you put out your arms out but cannot run).
Games can be simply transformed; like folk music they are meant to be owned by the people. The main goal is fun and connection.
No comments:
Post a Comment