For The Love Of The Game!

When I think back to group games I played as a child, the game of Trip to Jerusalem or Musical Chairs comes to mind. This game became a pushing match to see who could shove the most number of competitors out of the way in order to fight for a seat. If an easy-going, quiet child didn’t fight for a seat he or she was out for the remainder of the game and had to sit and watch till the game finishes.  What fun was that?  What was this game focusing on?  This game did more excluding than including and cheered on the winner.  Early childhood games should focus on fun and teamwork instead of competition and the declaration of a winner.

A warm up game that my daughter’s soccer team plays is called “Sharks in the Sea”.  In this game “islands” are created by the lines in the grass. You can be also use ropes, chalk or hoops to create lines.  The rest of the area is the sea.  When the whistle blows the kids “swim” around the sea but when the whistle blows again it is the signal that the sharks are coming!  All the players need to quickly “swim” to an island making sure everyone is safe.  With each round an island disappears so the swimmers find safety on less islands which in turn encourages teamwork.  Cooperation is the basic value in this game as each swimmer is found safe from the sharks!

Another fun group game is the modified version of Musical Chairs.  In this game, instead of getting someone out, each member must help each child find a chair even if that means sitting on each other’s laps!  Lots of laughter occurs in this silly version that embraces helpfulness and cooperation!

When I observed children in parks, I’ve seen them create their own games involving the equipment.  For instance, they may make believe that they are running from the monsters and finding safety in their castle.  Or they may initiate a game of tag with a group of children. During the game of tag they may choose a specific area to be the safety zone.  When a ball is handy your child may want to play a game of catch or he may want to start up a game of soccer using the distance between the two trees as his goal.  It’s having fun that is of the utmost significance in playing team games.  When your child is engaged in outdoor play he is fostering his physical development and growth along with stimulating alertness and brain development.  Go outside and play today!