- Klutz Free Games
- Egg Spectacular games!
- Hoppin to the Hare
- May Games!
- Earth Day, Every Day
- Fall Fun Fest!
- Pumpkin Power!
- Turkey Time!
- Winter Wonderland
- December Delights
- Thanksgiving Fun!
- Thank Goodness for Thanksgiving!!!
- Winter Winners
- New Years Games
Klutz Free Games
Klutz Free Games
This is a series of games that are great for kids of all ages and
abilities. Therefore, when you want to find some games that are appropriate
for the junior high games try Klutz Free Games.
Openers
Liar Lines
Materials: Paper and Pencil
This is a good game to open. Each person in the groups write answers to
four questions. Two of the answers are to be true and one is to be a lie.
Each person reads their answers to the group and the others guess which one
is a lie. After all have guessed, the person tells which answer is a lie.
Steal the Bacon
The caller calls out a number. If he calls, out #3 then both #3 players
come and try to get the bacon and take it back to their side without being
tagged. So if team "A" #3 grabs the "bacon" and gets back to his/her spot
before getting tagged by Team "B" #3 then team A gets TWO points. If Team B
#3 tags him/her then Team B gets ONE point. Sometimes a player will run up
fast and grab it, and sometimes both players will walk around it waiting for
the other person to grab it. If someone fakes grabbing and touches it, then
they CAN be tagged and lose a point. In addition, the caller can call out
more than one number at a time (Even all the umbers) this is good if one set
of numbers is taking to long. The caller continues calling out numbers
until a team reaches the agreed amount and that team wins.
Capture the Flag
Materials: Two scarves
Team 1 had the front yard and Team 2 had the back yard, or a field was split
between the two teams. The teams were given a time, like 5 minutes, to hide
their flag in their part of the yard.
When the flag was hidden, you call out that you were finished. Then you
simply try to get the other teams flag. If you are caught and tagged by the
opponent on their territory, you had to go to jail and could only be freed
by a teammate who grabs you when your opponent is not looking.
The first team to capture the flag wins. In most versions, you had to both
get the flag, and bring it back to your side.
Incredible Shrinking Island
Materials: Masking tape, chalk, or gym lines.
This game operates on the same premise as Cooperative Musical Chairs.
Outline a large square on the floor with either masking tape or chalk. This
area is the safe island and the area surrounding the square is the ocean.
When the music begins children "swim" around the island. The stopping of
the music indicates that sharks are coming and that all players must retreat
to the safety of the island. With each round, the lines are altered making
the island smaller and smaller. Players must work together to make sure
everyone has a safe place to get away from the sharks and fit on
the �island�. Chairs also serve well as boundaries for the island if there
is space for the people to get into the area.
Sardines
This indoor/outdoor game is Hide and Seek in reverse. �It� gets a twenty
second head start to hide, then everyone goes to look for �It.� When a
player finds �It,� he tries to join �It� in the hiding spot without being
seen by the others. As more and more players find �It,� they pack into the
hiding spot �like sardines�! The last one to find �It� becomes �It� for the
next round.
Active Games
Kick the Can
Materials: Three cans and a piece of chalk for the center.
Draw a circle and stack three cans in the center. Everyone stands on the
circle. �It� chooses a kicker, who starts the game by kicking the cans.
Everyone runs to hide while �It� stacks the cans back in the center.
Then �It� looks for players, saying the name and place (�I see Katie behind
the fence�). Katie is now in jail (inside the circle) unless she can get
back to the circle before �It� does. Other players can free those in jail
by kicking the cans before �It� can get back to the circle. Then �It� must
stack up the cans and begin the search again. The game ends when �It� finds
all the players and puts them in jail.
Trash Collection Day
Materials: hula-hoop and beanbags
Put a hula-hoop in each corner of your play area. Have equal numbers of
beanbags in each hula-hoop. Divide the kids into teams. Each team stands
by 'their' hula-hoop. This is their yard! Instruct them to begin to throw
their trash in the other members� yard. Each group has to empty their hula-
hoop by carrying the beanbags; one per trip to another team's yard (hula-
hoop). The beanbags have to be put into the other team's yard. Tossing is
acceptable if the beanbag lands in the hoop, if not they have to retrieve it
from the fallen area and put it in the hula-hoop. Make sure team members
watch where they are going, to avoid accidents running into the other team.
Count the number of beanbags in each hoop at the end of the game. The team
with the fewest beanbags (the least garbage) wins. This is a great game to
do during Earth Day. After the game discuss with the students the
importance of how the earth looks after everyone has picked up their trash.
This game reinforces teaching direction and cooperation with other team
members
Cranes and Crows
to play this game, set up boundaries wide enough for a rectangle to
accommodate all players with a middle line (it can be invisible between two
markers). Divide the group into two lines, with the players in each line
standing side by side and facing each other over the middle line, two arms�
width apart. Each group of players has a safety line about 20 feet behind
it, parallel to the middle line. One line of players is the �cranes� and
the other is the �crows.� The games leader or instructor stands at one end
of the lines and shouts the names of the lines, �crows,� �cranes,� or any
word beginning with a �c,� or �cr,� such
as �chrome,� �cranium,� �cone,� �cat,� etc. The reason for using other
words that sound like but are not �crows� or �cranes� is to teach the
players to listen carefully. Only when a team�s name is called does it
chase the other line and to tag them before they run back to reach their
safety line, which is located about 30 feet behind them, depending on the
age and ability level of the group. Any one who is caught joins the other
team, changing from a crane to a crow or vice versa. The teams then reform
their lines in the middle and repeat the process. It is important to make
sure the players are aware of others that are around them so they do not
bump into each other.
Blob
This game derives its name from the science-fiction movie called �The
Blob,� in which a massive alien organism attempts to take over the earth by
devouring and absorbing everything in its path, thus allowing it to grow as
it advances. This game also teaches us that monsters are not always scary
and we may have more �animal� in us than we think.
Directions: It is best to play this game in a large area with boundaries.
One student will start out as �The Blob,� and when he or she tags someone,
that person joins hands with him or her and they try to catch others
together. When there are at least four, they can split into two blobs.
This repeats until everyone is caught.
Freeze Tag
�It� chases players within a certain area. Tagged players are �frozen� but
can be unfrozen if tagged by a free player. The game ends when all players
are frozen. The last one frozen becomes �It� for the next round.
Elephant Stampede
Materials: Pool noodle (18 inches long) or paper towel roll
Start with one person being �It.� The person who is �It� holds one piece of
the noodle/roll and chases people within the boundaries. He will then hit
people below the knees. The person who is hit must lock arms with the
tagger. The two of the �taggers� must chase other people hitting them below
the knees and locking arms with them. The game ends when all the players
have joined a team. Be sure to remind players to lightly tap their
opponents. For a large group you may have more than more one �tagger.�
Sliders
Materials: Two shoe boxes for each team to put their feet into
Provide each team with two shoeboxes. At the start of the race, the first
member of each team puts one foot into each shoebox, slides his or her way
to a cone that is set up at a destination point, and then slides back to the
team. When that student returns to the team, he or she jumps out of the
shoeboxes and the second student "puts them on.� The relay continues until
the last member returns to his or her team. The first team to finish is the
winner. If you do this relay outside, have extra boxes available since they
break and wear easily on asphalt. Direction and speed are emphasized in
this relay.
Tail Tales or T.T.
Materials: Bright scarf
Players form one long line or train by holding onto the waist of the child
in front of them. The child in the front becomes the head of the group.
The child in the rear is the tail, and a colorful scarf is attached into his
back or side pocket. A belt loop in the back of the child may also be used
to hold the scarf. The "head� or first person in the group is to try to
catch the scarf flapping behind the "tail.� The front person may use their
hands to catch the scarf. All players must learn to work together to catch
the tail without losing any of the players by running too fast or allowing
players to accidentally break from the group.
Rattlers
Materials: blindfold and two rattles
Everyone forms a circle around two players. They are both blindfolded and
given a rattle. One is going to tag the other. The ratters enter the snake
pit, and the game begins. Each person tries to find the other by listening
to the shake of his or her rattle. The first person to tag their opponent
wins. The rattlers cannot go outside of the circle.
Go-Tag
Everyone squats in a line, alternate players facing opposite directions.
The person at then end of the line will be the first runner. He may run
around the track in either direction. The person at the other end will be
the first chaser. He or she may start running either clockwise or counter-
clockwise, but she or he may not switch directions once she starts. The
object of the game is or the chase to tag the runner.
Rotation Baseball
Four players take on four roles, catcher, batter, pitcher, and fielder.
Batter hits pitched ball, and goes back and forth between two bases counting
each time they touch a base as a run. Whoever gets the ball must throw it
to the other fielder, who throws it to the catchers. The catcher tags home
place and the batter is out. After that, everyone rotates positions and do
the same again. Everyone gets to play all positions.
Shootout
Materials: Four dodge balls
Cross-over Dodge ball
Materials: 3-5 dodge balls
Two players art in the center of playing area standing back to back. On the
signal go they take five quick steps forward past a designated line. At
this time, a player may turn and shoot to hit the other player below the
shoulders or he or she may hold the ball in anticipation of the opponent
missing. Players may go anywhere in the playing area and do not have to
throw at any certain time, after they throw their ball, they may receive a
second ball from their backup person. Play continues until one player is
eliminated. The winner stays to challenge the next player in line. Three
wins in a row and the player must retire as champion and go tot the end of
the line.
Asteroids
Materials:
Dodge balls
Distribute one ball to each player, but extra balls may be scattered on the
floor. The game is started with all players tossing their ball into the air
on a signal. Each player then retrieves a ball other than his own and
begins to throw to other players. Each player gets three lives. On the
first hit, the player goes down to one kneed where he or she is hit and can
play from that position. On the second hit, the player sits cross-legged on
the floor. The third time the player is hit, he, or she sits against the
sidewall and players from the position. Players may not travel while
kneeling or sitting.
Pin Bombardment
Materials: Six bowling pins and dodge balls
Divide the class into two teams. Players are out if they are hit by an air
ball, or a ball they threw is caught in the air by an opposing player. A
ball touching the floor or wall is safe to pick up. Players must stay on
their side of the centerline. Anyone stepping over the centerline is also
out. Try having the first person eliminated for this reason becomes the
line judge, watching for the other violators of this rule. Pins may be
guarded but not touched. If accidentally knocked down the pin stays down.
If a person guarding eh pin is hit, he or she is still eliminated.
Eliminated players go to the side and wait until five people are out. When
there are, five people out them may go back into the game. To start the
game, balls are placed on the centerline, with players touching the wall
behind them. Alternately, each team could be given an equal number of balls
to start. Pins are placed several yards from the wall of the gym. The game
ends when players are tired of the game.
Closers
Copy Cat
Players sit in a circle. The leader starts by making a funny or unusual
face and �passes� the goofy face to a person next to them who must copy the
funny face. The second person makes a new silly face to pass to a third
person, next to them. Everyone gets a turn making and passing the funny
face.
OOH-AHH
Start with everyone standing in a circle holding hands. Now one of the
people starts by saying ooh and then another ads ahh but send it in the
opposite direction.
Mummified Madness
Materials: toilet paper
Wrap a person with toilet paper. One person on the team may wrap the lucky
participant, or the whole team can join in for the effort. (For a
variation, make a snowman using winter clothing and electric tape for eyes
and mouth. Add a carrot in the mouth for a nose!) This relay teaches
cooperation and problem solving with other team members. The team that
fully covers the mummy first with toilet paper wins!
Thread the Needle
Materials: Hoop
In this contest, the members of each team join hands in a circle with a hula-
hoop hanging from one person's arm. When play begins, the person with the
hoop must step through it and pass it to a neighboring player without
letting go of her teammate�s hands. The next player does the same thing.
The team that gets the hoop back to the starting player first wins. This
game is great because a wide variety of ages can play. The game is more
challenging when students of various heights have to work together to move
the hoop from one person to another. So get off the couch and try some games
such as Klutz Free Games where no one feels foolish or left out!
Egg Spectacular games!
Spring Spectacular
This is a series of games that I have used with elementary and junior high
students to celebrate spring and Easter. They can be played inside or
outside with large or limited space. So get ready to enjoy the warmer
weather, inside or out, with Spring Spectacular games!
Egg Toss
Materials: Plastic eggs
Students are lined up opposite one another in teams of two partners each.
The partners stand about 5-10 feet apart depending on tossing skills. One
plastic egg is provided per team. Students toss the egg back and forth,
trying not to drop it. After each successful catch, the students take one
step back, creating a greater challenge. Each time the egg drops, they move
one step closer. The team that successfully throws the egg the farthest
wins. For an outdoor variation, try using water balloons instead of plastic
eggs.
Egg Run
Materials: Plastic eggs, small strips of paper, bucket
Before the game, write the names of various exercises, such as jumping
jacks, push-ups, and sit-ups, on the strips of paper and place them inside
the plastic eggs. Students line up in single file. A bucket filled with the
plastic eggs is placed at the opposite end of the play area, such as a field
or gymnasium. Each student takes a turn running across the play area to the
bucket. The student grabs one egg and runs back to the line. The student
opens the egg and reads out loud the exercise written on the paper inside.
The whole group must then do the exercise. The team that finishes first wins.
Egg Balance
Materials: Spoon and plastic egg for each team
Students are lined up in single file. The first student is given a plastic
egg which he or she will balance on a spoon. A cone is placed
approximately10 feet away from the front of the line. The student places the
egg on the spoon and tries to balance it while running to the cone and back.
When the student returns to the line, he/she gives the spoon and egg to the
next person in line and returns to the end of the line. The team that
finishes first wins.
Peter Cottontail Tag
Materials: Spring-colored paper streamers
One student is chosen as the �tagger.� All the other students are given one
streamer each. The students try to avoid the tagger as he or she attempts
to grab as many streamers as possible. Children may keep running after their
tail has been taken. The child who keeps his or her tail the longest becomes
the tagger for the next game.
Chicken Frog Relay
Materials: Ball and box
Students are divided into teams and form lines at one end of the gym or
field. The box is placed on the other side of the play area. The student at
the front of the line carries a ball between his or her knees and walks like
a chicken over to the box. The student must then return to the line while
hopping like a frog. The team that finishes first wins!
Over, Under, Over, Under
Materials: Easter-colored beanbag
Provide the first student on each team with a beanbag. When the relay
starts, the first student in line passes the beanbag over his or her head to
the second student. Then that student passes the beanbag under (between) his
or her legs to the third student. Students alternate between passing the
beanbag overhead or under their legs, with the third student passing it
overhead, the fourth student passing it under the legs, and so on. When the
beanbag reaches the last student in line, that student runs to the front of
the line and starts the over-under-over-under process again. The game is
over when the student who started the relay returns to the head of the line.
The first team to finish wins.
.
Egg Toss
Materials: Plastic eggs and buckets
Set up five buckets two feet apart. Depending on class size, students may
form teams or compete against each other individually. Each student takes
turns attempting to throw the eggs into all the buckets while standing at
the starting line several feet away. The thrower or team that gets the most
eggs in the buckets wins!
Bunny Throw
Materials: Stuffed bunny
How far can students throw a bunny? Give each student a toss or two and
record the farthest distances thrown by the students.
Stealing Eggs
Materials: Plastic eggs and hula hoops
Divide the students into two teams and have them stand at opposite ends of
the gym or field. Set up a hoop for each team on either side of the play
area and place an equal number of eggs inside the hoops. Students attempt to
go to the other teams� hoop, steal an egg, and place it in their own hoop.
Students may only steal one egg at a time, and they can�t guard their own
team�s hoop from having eggs stolen. The team who has the most eggs in their
hoop at the end of the game wins. For a variation of this game, have more
than two teams and see who has the most eggs at the end of the round.
Scrambled Eggs
Materials: Two Easter egg puzzles
Students form two teams, then take turns putting a puzzle together by
running to the puzzle and putting in one piece. After a student places a
piece in the puzzle, he or she taps the next person on their team, who must
then put the next piece in the puzzle. The team that finishes their puzzle
first wins!
Carrot Sticks
Materials: Plastic carrots or Lummi Sticks and basket
Students use an underhand throw to toss the carrots or Lummi Sticks into the
basket. The student or team that gets the most stick/carrots in the basket
wins!
15 Relays for Field Days
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/03/lp315-02.shtml
Minor Games Resource Page
http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/Glade/6694/relays.html
PE Central
www.pecentral.org
Wink, Barbara Celebration Games Physical Activities for Every Month,
Champaign, IL Human Kinetics, 2006
Wnek, Barbara Holiday Games, and Activities, Champaign, IL Human Kinetics,
1992
Hoppin to the Hare
After my husband and I moved into our first house we decided to get a furry
pet for our anniversary. We already had an adopted frog from my classroom,
and we were thinking of adding to our animal family. As we were debating
about cats and dogs, we saw some cute furry bunnies. After spending an
unplanned hour of holding these little treasures, we were hooked. This
workout is dedicated to the special furry creatures which bless me every day
with their love and playfulness. This workout is a great way to celebrate
warmer weather and outside fun.
Warm up
It is essential for all children to have a warm up. Some ideas for a bunny
warm up include:
� Bunny Bounce
Children stand with feet together, knees slightly bent and they place their
hands like bunny ears up near their own ears. Have them hop first on the
right foot, then switch and hop on the left foot. Children should jump with
both feet apart, and then continue hopping first on the right foot and then
the left. The �Bunny Hop� song is great to play during this warm-up.
� Bunny Hokey-Pokey
This game is played the same as the hokey pokey except you make it the hare
hokey pokey.
You put your bunny ears in, you put your bunny ears out , you put your bunny
ears in, and you shake them all about. You do the bunny-pokey, and you hop
and turn around. That is what it is all about! (Continue with bunny nose,
bunny paws, and bunny tail)
� Bunny Says
This game is played similar to Simon Says. The leader is the �Bunny".
The head bunny will say, " Bunny says hop on one foot". The children will
hop on one foot. Player will say "Stop". The children are to keep hopping on
one foot until player says " Bunny says stop". Repeat for additional
activities such as take one baby bunny step forward, hop backwards, turn
around and look at your tail. Sometimes Bunny will say " Bunny says" and
sometimes he won't. The player that does not do what the Bunny says is
out. The winner is the last bunny standing as the head bunny calls the
directions out.
Games for the bunny workout should vary from moderate to active
activities. Bunnies vary their speed from time to time, and so do children.
Here is a sample of great activities for group instructors to use.
Moderate or Anytime Activities Include
� The Last Bunny
A head rabbit is chosen by counting out or drawing straws. All other
players sit in a circle. The head rabbit walks around the circle and taps
one player on the back saying," Have you seen my bunny helper ?" "What does
he look like?" asks the head player, and the person sitting down describes
the bunny helper. The head bunny may say," She is wearing a watch and blue
shoes." The player on the floor tries to guess who the bunny helper is. When
he names the right person, the head rabbit says, "That's my helper!" and
the described person chases the head bunny outside and around the circle.
If the chaser/bunny helper can�t catch the head bunny before he can
return to his place, the chaser/ bunny helper becomes the head rabbit.
Pin the Tail on the Bunny
You will need a picture of a bunny. Each player gets a bunny tail with their
name on it. Cotton balls work well for this purpose of placing the tail on
the bunny. One at a time, blindfold the players, spin them 3 times, and have
them try to pin or tape their tail to the bunny .The player whose tail is
closest to the bunny�s real tail wins.
Fast Activities
� Bunny Race
The teacher draws two lines on the playground- a starting line and a goal
line. Children line up behind the starting line. Then they start they hold
hands to the side of the head like rabbit ears. When the teacher
say "Go", children jump in short hops on both feet to the other goal line
and back. The first team that finishes the course is declared the winner.
� Bunny Tag
Same as tag, but players hop instead of run. When a player is tagged they
become the new �It�.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to give my special children a
workout of their own. Before you know it, you will be hopping with joy as
well.
References Used
Animal Workouts: Fit 4 Fun Kid�s Training
http://worknotes.com/IL/Chicago/Fit4FunKidsFitness/hf0.stm
Bethany Robertshttp://www.bethanyroberts.com/fun.htm
Black Dog Holiday
http://www.blackdog.net/holiday//
He is not here! He is Risen!
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Troy/9087//songs.html
Kid�s Domain
http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday//
Kinderthemes
http://www.kinderthemes.com/April.html
To see my rabbits on-line please check out
Bugs and Sebastain�s Own Site!!!
http://cchapan.tripod.com/sebastainandbugschapansite/
Songs
I got a chocolate rabbit
For an treat,
A great big chocolate rabbit,
Good enough to eat.
So I ate his ears on Sunday,
his nose I finished Monday,
Tuesday I nibbled on his feet.
I ate his tail on Wednesday,
Thursday I kept on,
By Friday he was going,
Saturday he was gone.
Oh, I loved that chocolate rabbit,
From the moment that he came,
And if I get another one,
I'll love him just the same.
Did You Ever See a Bunny? (Tune:Did You Ever See a Lassie?)
Did you ever see a bunny, a bunny, a bunny?
Did you ever see a bunny, a bunny on morn?
He hops around so quietly
And hides all the eggs.
Did you ever see a bunny on morn?
________________________________________
Bunny (Tune:Ten Little Indians)
Where, oh, where is the Bunny?
Where, oh, where is the Bunny?
Where, oh, where is the Bunny?
Early morning?
The Bunny Pokey
to the tune of "The Hokey Pokey"
________________________________________
You put your right paws [right hand and foot] in,
you take your right paws out.
You put your right paws in,
and you shake them all about.
You do the Bunny Pokey,
and you hop all around.
That's what it's all about!
You put your left paws in....
Your put your pink nose in...
You put your floppy ears in...
You put your cotton tail in...
You put the whole bunny in...
________________________________________
Did You Ever See a Bunny?
to the tune of "Did you Ever See a Lassie?"
________________________________________
Did you ever see a bunny,
A bunny, a bunny,
Did you ever see a bunny,
Hop this way and that?
Hop this way and that way?
Hop this way and that way?
Did you ever see a bunny,
Hop this way and that?
Did you ever see a bunny,
A bunny, a bunny,
Did you ever see a bunny,
That hopped quite this slow?
Hop this way and that way?
Hop this way and that way?
Did you ever see a bunny,
That hopped quite this slow?
Did you ever see a bunny,
A bunny, a bunny,
Did you ever see a bunny,
That hopped quite this fast?
Hop this way and that way?
Hop this way and that way?
Did you ever see a bunny,
That hopped quite this fast?
________________________________________
Bunny, Bunny
fingerplay
________________________________________
Bunny, Bunny,
Put hands on top of head like rabbit ears.
Small and white,
Hold hands close together to show something tiny.
Come and fill my baskey
Pretend to fill basket.
Overnight.
Pretend to sleep.
________________________________________
Jokes
Q. Why was the Bunny so upset?
A. He was having a bad hare day!
Q. How does the bunny keep his fur neat?
A. With a hare-brush!
Q. What kind of books do rabbits like?
A. Ones with hoppy endings!
Q. What do you call a dumb bunny?
A. A hare-brain!
Q. Why does the bunny have a shiny nose?
A. Because the powder puff is on the other end!
Q. How did the soggy Bunny dry himself?
A. With a hare dryer!
Q. How does a rabbit keep his fur looking good?
A. With hare spray!
Q. What did the rabbits do after their wedding?
A. They went on a bunnymoon!
Q. Why was the Bunny so upset?
A. He was having a bad hare day!
Q. How does the bunny keep his fur neat?
A. With a hare-brush!
Q. What kind of books do rabbits like?
A. Ones with hoppy endings!
Q. What do you call a dumb bunny?
A. A hare-brain!
Q. Why shouldn't you tell an egg a good joke?
A. It might crack up!
Q. Why does the bunny have a shiny nose?
A. Because the powder puff is on the other end!
Q. How did the soggy Bunny dry himself?
A. With a hare dryer!
Q. How does a rabbit keep his fur looking good?
A. With hare spray!
Q. What did the rabbits do after their wedding?
A. They went on a bunnymoon!
Q. What did one colored egg say to the other?
A. "Heard any good yolks lately?"
Q. What's yellow, has long ears, and grows on trees?
A. The Bunana!
Q. How do you catch the Bunny?
A. Hide in the bushes and make a noise like a carrot!
Q. How do you make a rabbit stew?
A. Make it wait for 3 hours!
Q. How many chocolate bunnies can you put into an empty basket?
A. Only one- after that, it's not empty!
Q. A man wanted an pet for his daughter. He looked at a baby chick and a
baby duck. They were both very cute, but he decided to buy the baby chick.
Do you know why?
A. The baby chick was a little cheeper! (cheaper)
Q. Why did the egg hide?
A. He was a little chicken!
Q. What's a rabbit's favorite dance?
A. The bunny hop!
Q. What do you call a rabbit that tells good jokes?
A. A funny bunny!
Poems
I'm sure a Bunny must remember
Everything he's told
Because his ears are oh so large!
Just think how much they hold!
I saw a little bunny
going hop, hop, hop.
I said, "Please, Mr. Bunny,
won't you stop, stop, stop."
He flapped his big, long ears
and had no word to say,
And before I could get near him
he had hop, hop, hopped away!
Fingerplays
Five Baby Bunnies
Five baby bunnies hopping out to play,
Hopping in the forest on Day.
(Fingers hopping)
The first baby bunny carried his new cane,
He twirled it as he came hopping down the lane.
(Twirl cane in the air)
The second baby bunny came to the river's brink,
Tasted the cool water and took a long, long drink.
(Stoop down, take drink)
The third baby bunny tied her bonnet so new,
Under her chin, a bow of pink, white, and blue.
(Tie bow under chin)
The fourth baby bunny skipped down the shady lane,
He opened his umbrella just in case of rain
(Open umbrella)
The fifth baby bunny said, "Look what I see!"
Lots and lots of colored eggs hiding near the tree!"
Trivia
Most children (74%) eat the ears of their chocolate bunny first. 13% eat
the feet first, and 10% eat the tails first.
60 million chocolate bunnies are sold each .
bunny- The rabbit, or hare, was a symbol of abundant new life in ancient
times, and reminds us of spring and new life.
Bunny- The bunny fills baskets for children with candy. This custom
began in Germany and then came to America. The story was that if children
were good, the rabbit would lay colored eggs in a nest. Children would use
caps and bonnets for "nests."
Tongue Twisters
Busy bunnies bring blue baskets.
2. Each , Eddie eats eighty eggs.
3. Six peeping chicks cheeping cheerily.
4. Jogging jellybeans joke and giggle,
jogging jellybeans jump and jiggle.
5. Run, Red Rabbit, run!
May Games!
Fiesta de Fitness
I originally wrote this routine for some games I had when I had a fiesta at
my house. They are for any age level or ability level. Just say Ole and
you are ready to begin!
Chocolonga
(cho-co-LONG-a)
Materials: blindfold
A circle is marked on the blackboard or on a piece of paper is attached to
the wall. One player is selected to be it and stands at arms length in front
of the circle. He or she is blindfolded and told to touch as near as
possible the center of the circle. Before it tries to touch the circle, he
or she is turned around three times.. "Chocolonga" is cuban for "to put
into."
Carpenters, Coal Miners , and Cardinals
One player is chosen as leader. The other players form two parallel lines
about 3 feet apart and facing each other. One team is the carpenters; the
other is the coal miners. Play begins as the leader gives the calls. If he
or she calls "Carpenters!" that team turns and runs to alien about 30 feet
away. The coal miners try to tag them before they cross the line. The
players who retagged are out of the game. If coal miners are called, they
run to a line on their side, trying to reach it before the carpenters tag
them. If cardinals are called, neither team should move. If a player should
move even a foot, he or she is eliminated from the game. The leader may add
excitement to the game by pausing on the first syllable CAR so that the
players do not know what to expect. The team with the most players at the
end of playing time wins.
La Caching
(La Ca-CHAN-gad)
Materials: Shoe
The term la caching is Spanish for a sandal made of cotton. The sole of the
shoe is flat and the shoes held on by a strap. The players are in a close
circle, kneeling on one knee, the other is at right angles. A shoe is
passed quickly under the knee of each player. One player on the outside of
the circle moves around the group in the direction in which the shoe is sent
and tries to locate the shoe. The circle players say together repeatedly,
Queue corral la cachanga, the sandal that runs. .If the outside player
locates the shoe, he or she taps the shoulder of the player holding it and
then exchanges places with that player.
Rayuela
How to Play Rayuela
There can be any number of players and a stone is the only object you need
to play it. If you are the first player, you draw a figure on the floor with
a piece of chalk.
Then you throw the stone inside square one. After that, you have to hop into
each square, starting with square 1 and ending in square eight. If there are
two squares together, you jump landing with one foot in each square; but if
there is only one square, you must hop on one foot. When you reach squares 7
and 8, you have to turn back jumping again until square 1. Then you continue
playing the next level. This time you begin by throwing the stone into
square number 2. In the next level, you throw it into square number 3. You
continue until level 8. The first player who does all the levels is the
winner. The most important thing is that the player has to skip the square
where the stone is.
Hit the Coin
Materials: Stick coin or bottle cap ( Chair)
Place a 12- to 18-inch bamboo stick (or use a dowel) into the ground (you
could make a stand or use a Christmas tree stand indoors). Draw a circle
about five inches in diameter around the pole. Place a coin or bottle cap on
top of the stick. The players stand about four feet away from the stick and
try to knock the object off the stick by throwing a coin at it. The object
is to knock the coin off the stick to the outside of the 5 inch circle.
Peteca
Materials: Shuttlecock, net, and basket
Peteca is best described as badminton without the racquets. The players use
their hands to hit the special shuttlecock over a net. Your game could use a
traditional Peteca, but the player tries to land it in a target, such as a
basket.
Uno, does, tres
Materials: beanbags and string
Stretch a string between two objects and mark a line a yard away. Children
stand behind the line and take turns throwing bean bags at the string. Any
child who hits hit it scores a point.
Socorro!
A chaser runs after the children and tries to catch them. When a child is
in danger of being caught, she shouts, �Socorro!� If a player comes and hold
her hand, they are both safe from being caught. Once the danger is past,
they continue to run individually.
Luta de Galo
Materials: handkerchiefs
Players pair up, tuck handkerchiefs in their belts, place their right arm
across their chest, and hop around on their right foot. The free left arm is
used to reach for the opponent's handkerchief. A player whose left foot
touches the ground or whose right arm unbends is disqualified. The player
who succeeds in getting the opponent's handkerchief is the winner. Luta de
Galo means a "fight of roosters."
A.K.A. Alto Ahi!
Materials: Ball
Initially, one player takes the ball. In that moment, the rest begin running
away from the one who has the ball. When the one who has the ball
says, "Stop there, John" (naming one of the participants), the one named
must look for the ball. Once he has the ball, he says "Stop there," and
everyone must stop. The one who has the ball can give three steps to get
nearer to his closest partner and throws him or her ball.
Cascudinho (Little Bee)
Materials: Ball
This uses only one goal (with or without a goalkeeper) and both teams
compete for goals. The goalkeeper does not belong to any team; his role is
keeping the goal. When one team attacks, the other one plays defensively,
trying to stop the ball from reaching the goal. When the other team succeeds
in stealing the ball, it tries to kick it into the goal and the other team
plays defensively in turn.
References:
Carnival Games from Around the World
http://www.schoolcarnivals.com/Games/By_Theme/themecultural.htm
Fit 4 Fun International Games
http://www.worknotes.com/IL/Chicago/Fit4FunKidsFitness/hf1.stm
Games from Around the World
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/4h/4h05500.pdf
Rayuela
http://www.topics-mag.com/edition11/games-section. htm
Earth Day, Every Day
EARTH DAY: EVERY DAY
Earth Day occurred just last week. and here are some games to celebrate this
fun holiday. These related games can be played inside or outside and require
a minimal amount of space. Instead of harping on the values of recycling for
Earth Day, teach children those values through interesting games.
WARM-UP ACTIVITIES
Hug a Tree
In a forested area, pairs take turns being blindfolded. Have one person in
the pair lead the other to a tree (for touch and feel) and then them lead
away. After removing the blindfold, the tree hugger tries to locate his/her
tree.
Wind Storm
Materials: parachutes and newspaper sheets
Stand around the chute. Start to wave it like a slow wind. Put several
newspaper sheets under the chute. Say the sounds of the wind and lift the
chute over their heads and wave it fast. As they are lifting the chute, name
a few children. They should run underneath the chute, pick up the newspaper
sheets, and run though the wind storm. Encourage all the other children to
make the wind sound as they wave the chute and make the wind stronger. When
the children come out of the windstorm, calm down and lower the chute. Rest
and ask what it would be like to be in a wind storm. Talk about the
importance of putting the trash in the trashcan after play.
RECYCLE RELAYS
Trash Can Relay
Materials: trashcans
Set up five classroom trash cans in an obstacle course. The first student on
the team runs the course, weaving in and out around the cans. When the
student reaches the last can, he or she turns around and weaves back to the
team. The runner taps the next team member in line, who takes his/her turn
running the course.
Newspaper Relay
Materials: Newspapers
Provide a stack of newspapers for each team and have team members divide the
stack evenly among them. Set up a paper bag or recycle bin (or whatever
container your community uses for recycling newspaper) at a finish line. At
a signal, the first member of the team carries his or her stack of newspaper
to the finish line, deposits it in the container, runs back to the team, and
taps the next person in line.
Recycle Relay
Materials: cones/markers, large beach ball, recyclable goods, recycle
bin/box, trash cans/bins/box.
Two teams are line up at the start line. One player from each team races to
recyclable goods. After getting a object from the can, the student must go
to the large ball and run five times around it. He should deposit the item
in the recycling bin located by the earth ball. The player must run back and
ask the next person to go. The team that finishes first wins.
Landfill Loser
Divide the class into three groups of nearly equal size. Have one group of
players occupy a space between the other two groups. These players are known
as the "landfill losers." Discuss how landfills take up valuable space and
sometimes create groundwater pollution. The object of this game is to
keep "recycling" the balls by passing them back and forth to each other
without letting the landfill losers grab them and put them in the ground.
The two groups on either side of the landfill losers will try to pass balls
back and forth to each other without allowing the losers to get them. Balls
may be thrown or bounced to each other, but no ball may go above the heads
of the losers. Balls that go above the heads of the losers become their
property. Play for a certain time limit, and count the number of balls at
the end to see which team has more. Switch jobs and try again.
SAVE THE EARTH SPORTS!
Bottle Bowling
Materials: medium-sized plastic bottles, ball
Set up bowling pins made from 2-liter pop bottles, small bleach bottles, or
tall dishwashing detergent bottles.
Putt for Points
Materials: Coffee cans or buckets, golf clubs, balls
Give each student a golf ball and the club and see how many strokes that it
takes for the team member to get the balls in the three cans. The student
with the smallest amount of strokes wins.
Toilet Paper Football
Materials: Toilet Paper Rolls
Players run in pairs, connected by toilet paper. Every player must hold
onto the end of a length of toilet paper. The team in possession of the
rolls kicks it downfield and the other team runs to retrieve it and carry it
across the opponent�s end zone. The connecting toilet paper cannot touch the
ground. Players are tackled if their length of the toilet paper is torn. If
tackled, players may not run, but they can kick the ball whenever possible.
Any players who runs by himself not connected to another player by a toilet
paper strip or who touches another player, trades places with the referee.
Players score six points by completing a pass into the end zone (touchdown).
The teams that scores more points at then end of the 20 minutes wins. If
there is no score, the team closer to the opponent�s end zone wins.
Towel Volley
Materials: old towel
As in volleyball, the goal is to cause the other team to miss a legal serve.
Pairs must keep their hands on their towel at all times. The ball may be
tossed around players on the same team up to three times before it must be
lofted over the net. The ball should be returned more or less immediately
after being caught. The players can�t touch the ball with their hands. The
team with more points at the end of twenty minutes wins.
COOL DOWN ACTIVITIES
Springtime Flowers
Materials: parachutes
Have the children face in the same direction and squat around the
parachute. Grab the edge of the chute with one hand. Stand walking in a
circle while singing Springtime Flower. One the last line, they all pop up,
jump, and wave the chute high. Play again using various flowers such as
roses and petunias.
Springtime Flowers
(Tune: Ring around the Rosie)
By: Jane Flynn
Ring of Springtime Flowers
Made from April Showers,
Tulips, buttercups,
They all pop up
If you are looking for opportunities to pop up and teach saving the earth,
try these new games. You never know what spring will bring!
References
DeKoven, Bernie. Junkyard Sports. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2005.
Education World
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/03/lp308-02.shtml
Hug a Tree
http://www.wilderdom.com/games/descriptions/HugATree.html
Landfill Losers
http://members.tripod.com/~MrGsPEpage/landfill.htm
Lesson Planz Page
http://eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/Physical_Education/Motor_Skills/MMS0003.htm
l
Recycle Relay
http://members.tripod.com/~MrGsPEpage/science3.htm
Wilmes, Liz and Dick. Parachute Play. Elgin, Illinois: Building Blocks, 2000.
Fall Fun Fest!
Fall Fun Fest!
Popcorn Relay Race
Materials: Popcorn or small balls
Measuring Cups
Bowls or containers
Set out bowls full of popcorn at one end of the room and empty bowls at
another. Teams must transport the popcorn from full bowl to empty bowl using
a measuring cup.
Pin the Tail Feathers on the Turkey
Materials: Picture of Turkey
Feathers or Tail feather
Tape
Blindfold
Draw a turkey and have the blindfolded children take turns trying to attach
the feathers. The player that puts the feathers closest to the turkey wins!
Turkey Hunt!
Materials: Twelve Turkey Pictures
On a dozen or so index cards, draw or paste a picture of a turkey. To play,
everyone leaves the room except the leader. The leader hides the cards
around the room. Hunters return and begin the hunt. As each turkey is found,
it is brought back to the leader who corrals them in a separate pile for
each hunter. When all the turkeys have
been found, the hunter with the most turkeys is the winner and becomes the
leader for the next round.
Where is Mr. Turkey?
Materials: Small turkey or brown ball to represent turkey
One player is the hunter and the others are helpers. The hunter leaves the
room. The helpers hide a small toy turkey. The hunter returns with a mission
to find the turkey. Helpers give clues by "gobbling" like turkeys. If the
hunter is not close, the helpers gobble very quietly. As the hunter gets
closer, the helpers gobble more and more loudly until the hunter finds Mr.
Turkey.
Cranberry Relay:
Materials: Cranberries or small red balls
Large plastic spoons
Have players form two lines. Each player takes turns carrying a spoonful of
cranberries from the front of the line to a determined point and then back
to hand the spoon to the next player in line. If any of the cranberries drop
off, the player must stop and replace them before continuing. The first team
to finish wins.
( Maybe Not) Turkey Trot
Materials: Stuffed turkey or picture of turkey for each team
Players pair up with their elbows linked and each team receives a turkey
mascot. On cue, the pairs try to make their way to the finish line at the
far end of the playing field. The first team to get there without dropping
their bird or unlinking their arms, wins.
Run Fast Little Turkey
Materials: Parachutes
Paper Feathers
Take a chute and throw the turkey feathers in the air. Assign a color to
each child and have them pick up that color of feathers. The child who
picks up his/her color first, wins.
Pumpkin Race
Materials: Pumpkins or similar odd shaped balls
Pool Noodles
The racers line up on the starting line with the pumpkins turned on their
sides. On the signal, the racers use the noodle to roll the pumpkins to the
finish line. If you want to play this as teams, make it a relay race.
Toss and Count
Give each player a beanbag. On the teacher�s signal have the children toss
and catch their own beanbags to their partner. After thirty seconds stop
the game and count the number of times you tossed and catch the beanbags.
Players can also play the game themselves counting the number of beanbag
tosses and catches they have successfully completed. The player or team
that throws the most times without it falling to the ground wins.
Toss and Walk Relay
Use tape to mark a start line, mark a goal line about 10 feet away. Group
students into equal teams and have them form relay lines behind the starting
line. Give a beanbag which represents Bob or Larry to the first child on
each team. At your signal, the first child on each team walks to the goal
line, then turns around and walks back to the start, tossing and catching
her beanbag as she walks. When she reaches her team, she hands the beanbag
to the next team player then sits down at the end of the line. The first
team that finishes first wins!
Over and Under Relay
Group students into equal teams and have them form relay lines. Give a
beanbag to the first child on each team. At the teacher�s signal, the first
child on each team passes the beanbag between her legs to the second child.
The second child passes the beanbag between her legs to the third child.
Continue playing until the beanbag reaches the last person on the team.
Reverse directions for the next round. You can vary the movements with left
side, right side, one handed, two handed over and under etc. You can also
choose other players from the Veggie Tales to toss over, under, right and
left side as well.
Pumpkin Power!
Pumpkin Power!
Fall is a great time to enjoy cooler weather and get into fun and fitness.
Use this series of games in your next fall or seasonal party.
The Great Pumpkin
Equipment: Cone markers and one flag or scarf per person
Make a large square with thirty-foot sides. Choose one player to stand in
the square�s middle and be the Great Pumpkin. Divide the group into four
teams (i.e. Bats, Spiders, Pumpkins, and Candy Corn). Have each group stand
in a line formation on one of the sides. Ask everyone to have a flag
tucked into the back waistband of their pants, with at least two-thirds of
the flag visible. Remind players to move into open spaces to avoid
collisions. When you call out a group�s name, that group runs around the
square and the Great Pumpkin tries to grab their flags. If a flag is
captured, that person joins the square. Continue calling out the names of
the groups until you�ve called them all. Once all groups have been called,
select a new Great Pumpkin and play again.
Jack-O-Lantern Roll
Equipment: Parachute, 4-5large sponge balls with different jack-o-lantern
faces
Put the jack-o-lantern sponge balls in a basket. Have the children stand
and hold the chute. Lay on jack-o-lantern ball on the chute. Encourage the
children to work together and slowly roll the ball on the edge of the
chute. Then tell the children to stop. The child nearest the jack-o-
lantern grabs it and holds it up so everyone can see the face. Everyone
calls out how jack feels. Have the child roll that jack-o-lantern under the
chute. Put another jack on the chute and play again. To extend the
activity, make a large puzzle from a picture of a pumpkin and scatter the
pieces as you throw them up in the parachute. See which kids can find the
most matched pieces for the puzzle the fastest.
Pumpkin Bowling
Equipment: Plastic pumpkin, real pumpkin, and slide
Place a real pumpkin in position at the top of a small slide and a plastic
pumpkin about five feet from the bottom of the slide. The child climbs the
ladder, pushes the pumpkin down the slide, and tries to knock over the
plastic pumpkin at the bottom.
Pumpkin Gutter Ball
Equipment: Various sizes of balls and slides
Roll various sizes of orange balls from the slide. Predict which ones will
go down the slide the fastest.
Pumpkin Parachute
Put various sizes of balls on a chute. Predict which ones will slide off
the parachute first.
Move and Seek
Equipment: Pumpkins, cones or small boxes
Divide children into teams. Hide miniature pumpkins under a few cones or
small boxes arranged at the far end of the activity. Have children run,
hop, jump, or walk backward to the cones and lift each cone trying to
discover which cones have pumpkins concealed beneath. Once they have
discovered a pumpkin, have them children carry it back to the starting
point, then go back to search for more pumpkins. The team that finds the
most pumpkins wins!
Pumpkin Throw
Equipment:
Beanbags
Balls
Large pumpkin sheet
Cut a sheet of plywood or laminated poster board to create the outline of a
huge, three-foot-by-three-foot pumpkin. Cut a large mouth, a nose and two
eyes out of the cardboard pumpkin and paint it orange. Determine point
values for the eyes, nose, and mouth in the pumpkin. Take a lightweight
ball or beanbag and encourage the children to throw it in the pumpkin�s face
for points. The student earning the most points wins.
Pumpkin Patch
Equipment: Orange beanbags
Have students stand five to seven feet from a partner and toss a beanbag
using a correct underhand throw. Students try to accurately throw a beanbag
with correct underhand style five out of seven times.
Give these games a try if you are looking for a way to bring Halloween into
your fitness games!
References:
Burk, Maggie C. Station Games. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2002.
Landry, Joanne M. and Landry, Maxwell J. Ready-to-Use P.E. Activities for
Grades1-2. n.l.: Parker Publishing, 1992.
McCall, Renee M. and Craft, Diane H. Purposeful Play. Champaign, IL: Human
Kinetics, 2004.
Wilmes, Liz and Dick. Parachute Play. Elgin, IL: Building Blocks, 2000.
Turkey Time!
Turkey Time
Thanksgiving is a time to share a special holiday with family and friends.
In the following article, I give some ideas for taking the focus off the
food and turning it toward forming friendships, family bonds, and fun!
Turkey Tag
In this game, three students play the hunters and the rest are wild turkeys.
The game continues until all the turkeys are caught.
Take a Nature Walk
Go outside! Take a nature walk and see if you can find: a red, orange, or
brown leaf; a pine cone; an acorn; a dried weed or pod; a seed; a piece of
bark; a sweet gum ball, or dried berries. For a variation, have the group
brainstorm and see what items that they can find first. The first group to
find everything on the list wins!
Popcorn Relay Race
Materials: Popcorn or small balls
Measuring Cups
Bowls or containers
Set out bowls full of popcorn at one end of the room and empty bowls at
another. Teams must transport the popcorn from full bowl to empty bowl using
a measuring cup.
Pin the Tail Feathers on the Turkey
Materials: Picture of Turkey
Feathers or Tail feather
Tape
Blindfold
Draw a turkey and have the blindfolded children take turns trying to attach
the feathers. The player that puts the feathers closest to the turkey wins!
Thankerchief
Materials: Handkerchief
Arrange the children in a circle. Pass a "thankerchief" (handkerchief)
around as they recite this poem:
Thankerchief, thankerchief, around you go --
Where you'll stop, nobody knows.
But when you do, someone must say,
What they are thankful for this day.
The player holding the thankerchief when the poem ends, must tell one thing
for which they are thankful. The game continues until everyone has had a
turn.
Turkey Hunt!
Materials: Twelve Turkey Pictures
On a dozen or so index cards, draw or paste a picture of a turkey. To play,
everyone leaves the room except the leader. The leader hides the cards
around the room. Hunters return and begin the hunt. As each turkey is found,
it is brought back to the leader who corrals them in a separate pile for
each hunter. When all the turkeys have
been found, the hunter with the most turkeys is the winner and becomes the
leader for the next round.
Where is Mr. Turkey?
Materials: Small turkey or brown ball to represent turkey
One player is the hunter and the others are helpers. The hunter leaves the
room. The helpers hide a small toy turkey. The hunter returns with a mission
to find the turkey. Helpers give clues by "gobbling" like turkeys. If the
hunter is not close, the helpers gobble very quietly. As the hunter gets
closer, the helpers gobble more and more loudly until the hunter finds Mr.
Turkey.
Cranberry Relay:
Materials: Cranberries or small red balls
Large plastic spoons
Have players form two lines. Each player takes turns carrying a spoonful of
cranberries from the front of the line to a determined point and then back
to hand the spoon to the next player in line. If any of the cranberries drop
off, the player must stop and replace them before continuing. The first team
to finish wins.
Turkey Trot
Materials: Stuffed turkey or picture of turkey for each team
Players pair up with their elbows linked and each team receives a turkey
mascot. On cue, the pairs try to make their way to the finish line at the
far end of the playing field. The first team to get there without dropping
their bird or unlinking their arms, wins.
Turkey Exercises
Materials: Turkey picture for each group
Turkey feathers with exercises on them
Make feathers out of laminated red, brown, yellow, and green construction
paper and on the back of each, write an exercise. Divide the students into
small groups of three and assign each group a turkey placed at the opposite
end of the gym. Give students the exercise feathers in a pail or bag. The
first student in the group will pick a feather, read the exercise, and the
group will perform the exercise. That first student will then run to the
turkey with that feather, place it on the turkey, and run back. Then the
next student in the group selects a feather, reads the exercise, and the
group performs the exercise. That student runs to the turkey, places the
feather on the turkey and runs back. Continue until all the feathers are
placed on the turkey. The teacher can tell the students how many feathers
they need to have on the turkey, depending on the time available. Students
can also be told they need to select at least one feather of each color, to
include variety of exercises.
Run Fast Little Turkey
Materials: Parachutes
Paper Feathers
Take a chute and throw the turkey feathers in the air. Assign a color to
each child and have them pick up that color of feathers. The child who
picks up his/her color first, wins.
Cornucopia Pilgrims
Materials: Chairs for all students except one
Players sit on chairs forming a circle. There should be one more player than
there are chairs. The player without a chair is the leader. The leader
points to each of the other players to give them a name, such as "Cranberry,
Corn, Apple, Turkey," anything related to Thanksgiving. After names are
chosen, the leader calls out two names, "Turkey and potato," for example.
Those two players must quickly switch places. The leader keeps calling at a
quick pace, until suddenly she says, "The cornucopia has tipped over!"
Everyone, including the leader, then scrambles for a new place. The player
with out a seat is the new leader.
Pumpkin Race
Materials: Pumpkins or similar odd shaped balls
Pool Noodles
The racers line up on the starting line with the pumpkins turned on their
sides. On the signal, the racers use the noodle to roll the pumpkins to the
finish line. If you want to play this as teams, make it a relay race.
If you are looking for an alternative to the traditional dash for the
leftovers, try these exciting games. Your focus will be on fun instead of
on a full and bloated belly.
Thanksgiving References
(Included in this section are books that are great to read in between the
games when children are tired.)
Amazing Moms Thanksgiving Games
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/thanksgiving_games.htm
Annie�s Thanksgiving Games
http://www.annieshomepage.com/thanksgivinggames.html
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Thank you Sarah: the Woman who Saved Thanksgiving.
New York: Scholastic, 2002.
Black dog�s Thanksgiving
http://www.blackdog.net/holiday/thanks/
DePaola, Tommie. My First Thanksgiving. New York: Scholastic, n.d.
Family Fun Turkey Trot
http://familyfun.go.com/parties/holiday/game/famf_game_turkeytrot/
Let�s Talk Turkey
http://www.umkc.edu/imc/turkeys.htm
Pilkey, Dav. T�was the Night Before Thanksgiving. New York: Scholastic News,
1990.
Ross, Katherine. The Story of the Pilgrims. New York: Random House, 1995.
Teaching With a Heart Thanksgiving, Geocities Turkey Time
http://www.geocities.com/teachingwithheart/turkeysing.html
Tryon, Leslie. Albert�s Thanksgiving. New York: Scholastic, 1994.
Web Teach Thanksgiving Links
http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/jcheek3/thanksgiving.htm
Wilmes, Liz, and Dick. Parachute Play. Elgin, IL: Building Blocks, 2000.
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland
Holidays are a time for busyness and it is easy to forget about physical
fitness. In the following article, I would like to highlight some creative
ideas for getting kids active during this insane holiday season. I would
like to separate these with three sections. First I will highlight low
activity games, then medium activity games and last of all high activity
games. This month I will discuss low energy games.
Pass the Snowball (Low Energy)
Materials:
White ball
Christmas or winter music
This game is like hot potato. Take an ornament and pass it around a circle
of children. The game continues until the music stops. That child with the
ornament in his/her hand is out. Do not allow children to be out more than
one turn. Allow them back into the game.
Pin the Nose on Rudolph (Low Energy Activity)
Supplies:
Reindeer picture
Blindfold
Red noses
This is a take on 'pin the tail on the donkey'. Put a picture of a nose-
less Rudolf on the wall, blindfold the students, spin them around, and see
if they can pin a red nose in the right place.
Snowman Says (Low Energy Activity)
Same as 'Simon Says': The student up is the Snowman . Snowman
says, "Snowman says hop.� All students hop. Snowman says, "Stop.�
Students should continue hopping on until "Snowman" says, "Snowman says
stop.� Repeat for other actions such as jump, run, turn around, sit down,
stand up, hands up/down, star jump, etc.).
Las Posada Limbo (Low Energy Activity)
Supplies:
Pool Noodle with garland
Based on the classic beach game of "limbo.� The student that can go the
lowest wins!
Blanket Blizzard (Low Energy Activity)
Supplies
Chute
Plastic Peanuts
Have the children stand and hold the parachute. Add a few pieces of
Styrofoam peanuts and shake them in the air so they seem like snow floating
from the sky and onto the parachute. Continue to add peanuts and make a
blizzard of snow as you continue to fill the parachute.
Jingle Jam (Low Energy Activity)
Supplies:
Chute
Jingle Bells
Give each child several bells. Toss them unto the chute and sing, �Jingle
Bells as they jerk and chute in rhythm to the song. Sing again and wave the
chute in shallow ripples. How do the bells sound?
Da Wrapper (Low Energy Activity)
Supplies:
Chute
Various small toys
Sit around the chute. Give each child a small toy. Have each child hold it
up and tell what it is. Everyone cover his or her eyes. Tap a child who
has a gift on the head. That child should wrap his toy under the
parachute. Everyone uncover their eyes and see if they can remember what
gift just was wrapped up. Let the child unwrap his toy so everyone can see
it.
Solving the Sleigh Mystery (Low Energy Activity)
Supplies: Snowman sleigh
Have children sit in a large circle and blindfold one child. Another child
will be given the sleigh and must say:
Snowman, Snowman, where is your sleigh
someone is come and taken it away
Guess who Guess who?
The student who finds it first gets to be it for the next round.
Mitten Mates (Low Energy Activity Game)
Supplies:
Chute
Pairs of mittens
Have the children sit around the chute. Give each child a mitten from one
of the pairs and put it on the parachute. Have them spread the mittens
around the chute. Lower the chute. Have the children count to three and
then throw the parachute up into a mushroom shape. Raise the chute. .
Lower the chute. Play repeatedly until everyone has found his mitten
mates. So instead of helping yourself to the second serving get active and
get into fitness with your kids.
Holiday Wonderland Part 2
Last month I discussed some ideas for getting kids active and interested in
fitness. Here are some more ideas for getting kids busy and occupied during
the holiday season.
Cabin Fever Core Circuit ( Medium Energy Activity)
Materials:
Christmas or winter music
Sometimes it is great to divide kids into various stations and have them
exercise working on various fitness components for 20-90 seconds depending
on the interest and ability levels of each group. Examples:
Cardiovascular Endurance: Jump rope
Muscular Strength (upper body): Push-ups
Muscular Strength (abdominal): Partial curl ups
Flexibility: Sit to Reach Your Toes
Muscular Endurance: Rope Climbing in the air
Shoppers Nightmare (Medium Energy Activity)
Supplies:
Parachute
Various soft toys
Bags
Place toys on the chute. Wave it in the air and students go get the toys
once they have been lifted off the chute. The child who collects the most
toys in a bag or specific area wins!
Jingle Jump (Medium Energy Activity)
Materials: Jump ropes
Twist Ties or string
Jingle bells
Students jump with the jingle bells tied with twist ties or string to the
jump ropes. Sing a winter song such as �Jingle Bells� as the students jump
with the rope.
Trim the Tree (Medium Energy Activity)
Materials:
Ringer
(Optional ) Picture of tree on ringer
Clear tape
Rings
Take a ringer and place a picture of a tree on the front of it. Set the
ringer in the station area. Place a tapeline on the floor about five to
seven feet away form the cone. Students stand on the tapeline and toss
three rings onto the cone five out of seven times.
Three-Legged Stocking Race (Medium Energy Game)
Supplies: Oversized stocking that will fit two feet
Tape to mark finish line
Pair up kids and have each pair put a leg in the oversized stocking and tie
at top so that it will not fall off. Make sure you have plenty of space.
Put all the pairs at one end and mark a finish line at the other. On your
mark, the kids race to be the first pair over the line.
Frosty Snowball Toss (Medium Energy Game)
Supplies:
Large cardboard with Frosty drawn on one side.
Whiffle Balls
Paper box lid to hold snowballs
Tape to mark distance line
How to Play: Place cardboard Frosty a little distance from a wall with a
paper box lid on floor to catch snowballs. Mark your distance line
according to age and skill of children. Line children up behind the line
and place a bucket of whiffle balls beside them. Give each child three
tries to get their whiffle snowball through the hole. Get all three
whiffle snowballs in and earn a snowball reward.
Rush Relay Races (Medium Energy Activities)
Equipment: (1 per group) scooter,
Jump rope,
Hula-hoops
Several beanbags
Tossing items
Bowls or buckets
Two rackets/group
Small playground ball
Students are grouped into four- five groups of four. The relays include:
Snowfall Race
Have two students in each group pair up. One student lies on their chest on
the scooter and holds on to the sides of the scooter for security. The
other student grabs their feet and pushes them down around their specified
cone and back. Then the next set of two goes.
Silly Sled Race
Students again pair up within their group. This time, one of the students
sits on the scooter and the other stands up facing them. The partner on the
scooter grabs both ends of the jump rope, while the other one holds the
middle. The students must "drive" down around the cone and back. Repeat
twice.
Frustration Freeze Race
Every student in each group is given a beanbag. Across the gym, there is a
set of dome dishes (bowls) for each group that they must place the beanbags
into. The students keep running up and placing the beanbags into the bowls
until the signal is given. The only catch, however, is that students are
not allowed to use their hands. It is interesting to see the different ways
they come up with.
Wild Winter Run Race
Each group is given two rackets and a playground ball. The first and second
person in each line has a racket. The first person must balance the
playground ball down around their cone and back, and then pass the ball on
to the second person in line holding a racket. The first person then passes
their racket on to the third and goes to the end of the line, etc. If any
student in the group drops the ball, they must return to the beginning of
the line immediately, and start again. So get off the couch and into
fitness by getting in to Medium energy games.
Winter Wonderland Part Three
This is the third part of a series on games to play during this winter
season with children. As you play these high energy games with children
please remember to make sure that you have plenty of space inside or outside
and that children fully understand the rules of the games.
Christmas Signals ( High Energy)
With a partner do the following actions.
Reindeer
Gallop around the area holding hands.
Snowman
Lie facedown. Roll back and forth on your tummy shouting HO, HO, and HO.
Christmas tree
Stand tall, hands outstretches overhead.
Christmas Ball
Roll up in a little ball on the floor and roll sideways
Candy Cane
Form the shape of a candy cane on the floor
Toy Soldier
Make like a toy soldier marching in a row
Choo Choo Train
Act like a train and chug loudly.
Spinning Top
Act like a spinning top and spin, spin, spin
Angel
Flap your wings and run around like an angel
Wiseman
Search for the Christ child as you skip from place to place.
Snowball Bowling (Medium Activity)
Materials:
Beanbags
Bowling Pins or Plastic bottles
Set the bowling pins in a triangle formation. Placed a tape mark on the
floor five to seven feet away and lay the beanbags on the tape mark.
Student should try to knock at least four bowling pins three out of five
times.
Cheap Skate (High Energy Activity)
Take two shoeboxes or quart milk cartons and create a smooth skating
atmosphere for your child Allow your child to skate using the boxes or
cartons. You can also make it into a relay/race by having two students race
against each other from a designated starting and finishing line.
Candy Cane Hockey ( High Energy Activity)
Supplies:
Pool Noodle wrapped to look like a candy cane
Small light balls
Put a hockey or makeshift goal next to a wall. Place a tapeline about ten
feet from the goal. Students will try to put the puck into the hockey goal
by moving the small balls three to five times.
Reindeer Run (High Energy Activities)
Students jog around the gym wearing reindeer antlered or making the antlers
with their hands. The first student that makes a lap wins!
Christmas stocking Relay (High Energy)
Supplies:
One stocking for each team
One spoon for each team
One bowl for each team
Plastic egg
Divide into teams. Have each team line up at one end of the room. At the
other end, hang a Christmas stocking for each team. Place a bowl of pretend
candy (plastic eggs) and a spoon in front of each team. Each team member
takes a turn carrying an egg from the bowl with the spoon across the room to
the stocking. They drop the egg in the stocking and race back to the next
person in line and give them the spoon. First team to fill the stocking wins
Frosty Freeze (High Energy)
Supplies: Christmas music
Begin playing music and have everyone move and dance until the music stops
then they must "freeze" in whatever position they happen to be in. Get into
the groove this new year and get into fitness!
Christmas References
A Kid�s Heart
http://akidsheart.com/holidays/christms/chgames.htm
Beenleigs State School
http://www.beenleigss.qld.edu.au/Christmas/christmas.html
Burk, Maggie C. Station Games. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2002
Child fun Christmas
http://www.childfun.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=220
Kid�s Domain
http://www.childfun.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=220
Landry, Joanne M. and Landry, Maxwell J. Ready-to-Use P.E. Activities for
Grades1-2. n.l.: Parker Publishing, 1992.
Landry, Joanne M. and Landry, Maxwell J. Ready-to-Use P.E. Activities for
Grades1 3-4. n.l.: Parker Publishing, 1992.
McCall, Renee M. and Craft, Diane H. Purposeful Play. Champaign, IL: Human
Kinetics, 2004.
PE Links4 You
http://www.pelinks4u.org/archives/120103.htm
Physical Education Lessons Page
http://members.tripod.com/~pazz/lesson.html
Pitts School
http://www.pittschools.org/aes/PE-LP59.HTM
Wilmes, Liz, and Dick. Parachute Play. Elgin, IL: Building Blocks, 2000.
December Delights
December Delights
December is an incredible busy time of year. But more often than not there
is not much time for family bonding. This is a series of games that
emphasize families getting physical activity and focusing on fitness fun!
Materials:
Snowflake Pictures
Inflatable dice with Christmas on it
Hula hoops
Christmas puzzle
Large cut out of a Christmas tree
Green and brown beanbags
Number cards
Buckets
Christmas bucket
Laminated gift boxes
Plastic tablecloth
Timer
Scarves
Christmas Tree Dice Calisthenics
Throw a dice. Have the children act out the number that appears with some
kind of activity: four jumping jacks, five sit-ups, etc.
Christmas Tree Puzzles
Take a hula hoop and put a simple 3-4 piece puzzle of a Christmas Tree
inside of it. Time each student and see how long it takes them to put the
puzzle together. See which Christmas Tree puzzle is easiest for the group to
put together.
Christmas Tree Toss
Take an green bean bags and scatter hoops on the floor. See if your students
can throw an green bean bag Christmas Tree into the hoop. The group that
accurately throws the most Christmas Tree bean bag wins.
Present Pursuit
See how many Presents disks (colorful beanbags) can be thrown into the
Present bucket. The student who throws the most balls into the bucket wins.
Snowflakes Relay
Make a row of buckets and place a Snowflakes ( white bean bags) beside each
bucket. Time each student and see how long it takes to put the Snowflakes
into each bucket. When they have put the Snowflakes in the bucket, they are
to turn around the last bucket and run back to the start. The goal is for
the groups to race to complete the relay in the shortest amount of time.
Snowman says
Instead of Simon Says, have students follow the leader (Snowman) and perform
locomotor movements or identify various body parts that the caller calls
outs. No one is out, even if the Snowman does not say.
Thanksgiving Fun!
Thanksgiving Fun!
Thanksgiving is a great time to reacquaint people with one another in school
and social situations with light and fun competitive games. These games can
be played in outdoor and indoor environments and are lots of fun.
Warm-ups and Cool Down
Roll and Say Hello!
Materials: Ball
Children take turns greeting each other by rolling a ball. One child takes
the ball and says Hello (child�s name) says something that they like about
Thanksgiving and then roll the ball to another child in the circle. The
catcher then says good morning to someone else and rolls the ball to him.
Make sure that everyone has had a turn. Ask which children have not had a
turn by putting their thumb up. The game is completed when everyone has had
a turn.
Squanto Limbo
Materials: Stick such a pool noodle
Have the teacher hold the stick at a comfortable height about waist high.
Ask children to line up one side and find a way to under the stick without
bumping it. Each time through, lower the stick a bit. Children will have a
find a way to get low and go under.
Hunt the Turkey
Materials: turkey
The players form a circle on the floor and one person is chosen to
be �IT.� �IT� is in the middle of the circle and closes his eyes until the
game begins. The other players pass a turkey or another small brown object
( such as a bean bag) back and forth in the circle behind their backs. The
object of the game is to have �IT� find out who has the turkey. If the
guess is right, the person with the turkey becomes �IT.� This game teaches
children to be quick, agile, and aware of their surroundings.
Anytime Games
Turkey Relief
Materials: paper or fabric turkey or such as a newspaper
Have partners place a piece of crumbled up newspaper or turkey on the
floor. Ask the partners to pick up the paper using the body parts called
out the teacher such as elbow-to-elbow, foot-to-foot, knee-to-knee, forearm
to elbow, foot and elbow, knee and elbow, forehead and back of hand, toe,
and finger.
Imaginary Shoes
Have kids act out what they would do if they were in particular fall/winter
shoes. Some shoes ideas can be ice skates, snowshoes, skis, shoes, and
boots such as a cowboy, astronaut, and child in the snow.
Twelve Days of Fitness
Students will act out the following fitness song.
On the first day of fitness, my teacher gave to me.
12 Jumping Jacks
11 Raise the roofs
10 Knee Lifts
9 Side Stretches
8 Jogs in Place
7 Jabs and Punches
6 Kicks to the front
5 Hula Hoops
4 Jump ropes
3 Muscle Poses
2 Scissors
1 Stork Stand
Red Feather , Green Feather , Brown Feather , Yellow Feather
Two lines are established at opposite ends of the playing area. One line is
the goal line; the other is the starting line. One player is "�IT�" and
stands on the goal line and closes his eyes. When he calls �green
feather ,� players move toward him. When he calls "red feather ," he opens
his eyes and all of the players must stop moving. Yellow feather means
walk slow and brown means sprint. Any player who is caught in motion must
return to the starting line. Players can continue moving if any color other
than "red feather " is called. The suspense of the game occurs as the
players wonder what color will be called and if they are free to move. The
first player to reach the goal wins. The last one to reach the goal is �IT�
for the next game.
Pilgrim, May I?
This is similar to Mother May I? There is a goal line and a starting line,
and the player who is "Pilgrim" stands at the goal line. The "Pilgrim"
addresses one player at a time to "Take one giant step" or "Take 5 baby
steps" or "Skip three steps,� etc. That player must remember to
say, "Pilgrim, May I?" and wait for permission before he can advance. If
the player forgets to ask permission first, he must return to the starting
line. The Pilgrim then addresses another player on the line and continues
until one player finally reaches the goal line. That player then becomes
the "Pilgrim.� Listening and following directions is important in this
game.
Drop the Turkey
Materials: Turkey picture or autumn colored handkerchief
One player is designated �IT� and gets the handkerchief or turkey picture.
The other players form a circle by holding hands. �IT� walks slowly around
the outside of the circle and puts the turkey or handkerchief behind one
person. The person must chase �IT� and try to tag him before �IT� runs
around the circle once and gets back to the person�s place. Alertness and
using direction are great skills taught in this game.
Active Games
Leaf Collection Day
Materials: hula-hoop and leaves or newspapers
Put a hula-hoop in each corner of your play area. Have equal numbers of
Leaves and newspapers in each hula-hoop. Divide the kids into teams. Each
team stands by 'their' hula-hoop. This is their yard! Instruct them to
begin to throw their trash in the other members� yard. Each group has to
empty their hula-hoop by carrying the leaves or newspapers; one per trip to
another team's yard (hula-hoop). The leaves and newspapers have to be put
into the other team's yard. Tossing is acceptable if the beanbag lands in
the hoop, if not they have to retrieve it from the Thanksgiving area and put
it in the hula-hoop. Make sure team members watch where they are going, to
avoid accidents running into the other team. Count the number of leaves and
newspapers in each hoop at the end of the game. The team with the fewest
leaves and newspapers (the least garbage) wins.
Indian Tag
�Indian� chases players within a certain area. Tagged players are �frozen�
but can be unfrozen if tagged by a free player. The game ends when all
players are frozen. The last one frozen becomes �Indian� for the next
round.
Pumpkin Balance
Materials: Spoon and plastic pumpkins for each team
Students are lined up in single file. The first student is given a plastic
pumpkin which he or she will balance on a spoon. A cone is placed
approximately10 feet away from the front of the line. The student places the
pumpkin on the spoon and tries to balance it while running to the cone and
back. When the student returns to the line, he/she gives the spoon and
pumpkin to the next person in line and returns to the end of the line. The
team that finishes first wins.
Puritian or Stranger in the Middle
A student is chosen to play the Puritian or Stranger. He sits on a stool.
The other players move around the Puritian or Stranger and tell him he
cannot catch them. The Puritian or Stranger tries to catch them without
leaving his stool. The first one tagged is the next Puritian or Stranger.
This game also teaches alertness, agility, and self-control.
Masasoit Says
One player is the leader and orders the other players to make motions such
as "Masasoit says, thumbs up" or "Masasoit says, hands on your head.� The
leader also makes all of these motions. If he omits "Masasoit says,"
however, and just orders "Thumbs up," the players must not make the motion.
Anyone who does so is out of the game. The winner is the player who remains
in the game the longest. This game shows the importance of following and
listening to specific directions.
Food Tag
This game is for five or more players and should is played outside or in an
open area. To play, pick four objects to be bases and give each base a
name: "Don't like it," "Love it," it's OK," "Never tried it.� You can make
signs for each base if you like. Pick someone to be it. He stands in the
middle and players stand on any base they want. It calls out the name of a
food and players then have to run to the base that describes how they feel
about that food. It tries to tag a player before he or she reaches the
base. The player tagged then becomes it.
References:
Fit 4 Fun Fitness
http://worknotes.com/IL/Chicago/Fit4FunKidsFitness/index.html
Thank Goodness for Thanksgiving!!!
Thank Goodness for Thanksgiving!
There is so much to be thankful for during this time of year but
unfortunately the focus on this holiday is often lost with the over
consumption of high calorie food. This routine helps burn some of those
calories and emphasizes new family fun!
Materials:
Inflatable dice with Turkey on it
Hula hoops
Turkey puzzle
Large cut out of a Turkey
Brown beanbags
Number cards
Buckets
Carnocopia bucket
Matching fabric or laminated leaves
Plastic tablecloth
Turkey Dice Calisthenics
Throw a dice. Have the children act out the number that appears with some
kind of activity: four jumping jacks, five sit-ups, etc.
Turkey Puzzles
Take a hula hoop and put a simple 3-4 piece puzzle of a Turkey inside of it.
Time each student and see how long it takes them to put the puzzle together.
See which Turkey puzzle is easiest for the group to put together.
.
Thanksgiving Gourds Relay
Make a row of buckets and place a brown Thanksgiving gourds beside each
bucket. Time each student and see how long it takes to put the thanksgiving
Gourds into each bucket. When they have put the thanksgiving gourds in the
bucket, they are to turn around the last bucket and run back to the start.
The goal is for the groups to race to complete the relay in the shortest
amount of time.
Leaf Relief
Practice colors and shapes by having students go to the hula hoops and find
the matching leaves. The goal of the game is for the group to match the most
leaves in the shortest amount of time. Other shapes such as apples cutouts
or scarecrows can also be substituted.
Indian says
Instead of Simon Says, have students follow the leader (Indian) and perform
locomotor movements or identify various body parts that the caller calls
outs. No one is out, even if the Indian does not say.
Winter Winners
Winter Winners!
Winter is a great time to think about getting or staying in shape. This is
a series of games that can be played in a gym and the focus is on Christmas
and Winter fun! So instead of grabbing for the fruitcake try some fitness
fun!
Warm-ups and Cool Down
Roll and Say Hello!
Materials: Ball
Children take turns greeting each other by rolling a ball. One child takes
the ball and says Hello (child�s name) says something that they like about
winter/ Christmas and then roll the ball to another child in the circle.
The catcher then says good morning to someone else and rolls the ball to
him. Make sure that everyone has had a turn. Ask which children have not
had a turn by putting their thumb up. The game is completed when everyone
has had a turn.
Winter Cross Country Limbo
Materials: Stick such a pool noodle
Have the teacher hold the stick at a comfortable height about waist high.
Ask children to line up one side and find a way to under the stick without
bumping it. Each time through, lower the stick a bit. Children will have a
find a way to get low and go under.
Hunt the Snowflake
Materials: snowflake
The players form a circle on the floor and one person is chosen to
be �IT.� �IT� is in the middle of the circle and closes his eyes until the
game begins. The other players pass a snowflake or another small object
back and forth in the circle behind their backs. The object of the game is
to have �IT� find out who has the snowflake. If the guess is right, the
person with the snowflake becomes �IT.� This game teaches children to be
quick, agile, and aware of their surroundings.
Anytime Games
Snowflake Relief
Materials: paper or fabric snowflake or such as a newspaper
Have partners place a piece of crumbled up newspaper or snowflake on the
floor. Ask the partners to pick up the paper using the body parts called
out the teacher such as elbow-to-elbow, foot-to-foot, knee-to-knee, forearm
to elbow, foot and elbow, knee and elbow, forehead and back of hand, toe,
and finger.
Imaginary Shoes
Have kids act out what they would do if they were in particular fall shoes.
Some shoes ideas can be ice skates, snowshoes, skis, shoes, and boots such
as a cowboy, astronaut, and child in the snow.
Twelve Days of Fitness
Students will act out the following fitness song.
On the first day of fitness, my teacher gave to me.
12 Jumping Jacks
11 Raise the roofs
10 Knee Lifts
9 Side Stretches
8 Jogs in Place
7 Jabs and Punches
6 Kicks to the front
5 Hula Hoops
4 Jump ropes
3 Muscle Poses
2 Scissors
1 Stork Stand
Red Snowflake, Green Snowflake, Brown Snowflake, Yellow Snowflake
Two lines are established at opposite ends of the playing area. One line is
the goal line; the other is the starting line. One player is "�IT�" and
stands on the goal line and closes his eyes. When he calls �green
snowflake,� players move toward him. When he calls "red snowflake," he
opens his eyes and all of the players must stop moving. Yellow snowflake
means walk slow and brown means sprint. Any player who is caught in motion
must return to the starting line. Players can continue moving if any color
other than "red snowflake" is called. The suspense of the game occurs as
the players wonder what color will be called and if they are free to move.
The first player to reach the goal wins. The last one to reach the goal
is �IT� for the next game.
Snowman, May I?
This is similar to Mother May I? There is a goal line and a starting line,
and the player who is "Snowman" stands at the goal line. The "Snowman"
addresses one player at a time to "Take one giant step" or "Take 5 baby
steps" or "Skip three steps,� etc. That player must remember to
say, "Snowman, May I?" and wait for permission before he can advance. If
the player forgets to ask permission first, he must return to the starting
line. The Snowman then addresses another player on the line and continues
until one player finally reaches the goal line. That player then becomes
the "Snowman.� Listening and following directions is important in this
game.
Drop the Snowflake
Materials: Snowflake
One player is designated �IT� and gets the handkerchief. The other players
form a circle by holding hands. �IT� walks slowly around the outside of the
circle and puts the snowflake behind one person. The person must chase �IT�
and try to tag him before �IT� runs around the circle once and gets back to
the person�s place. Alertness and using direction are great skills taught
in this game.
Active Games
Snowflake Collection Day
Materials: hula-hoop and snowflakes beanbags
Put a hula-hoop in each corner of your play area. Have equal numbers of
Snowflakes in each hula-hoop. Divide the kids into teams. Each team stands
by 'their' hula-hoop. This is their yard! Instruct them to begin to throw
their snowflakes in the other members� yard. Each group has to empty their
hula-hoop by carrying the snowflakes; one per trip to another team's yard
(hula-hoop). The snowflakes have to be put into the other team's yard.
Tossing is acceptable if the beanbag lands in the hoop, if not they have to
retrieve it from the fallen area and put it in the hula-hoop. Make sure
team members watch where they are going, to avoid accidents running into the
other team. Count the number of snowflakes in each hoop at the end of the
game. The team with the fewest snowflakes wins.
Snowman Tag
�Snowman� chases players within a certain area. Tagged players are �frozen�
but can be unfrozen if tagged by a free player. The game ends when all
players are frozen. The last one frozen becomes �Snowman� for the next
round.
Snowflake Toss
Materials: White Softballs or Snowflake colored beanbags
Students are lined up opposite one another in teams of two partners each.
The partners stand about 5-10 feet apart depending on tossing skills. One
snowflake beanbag or white ball is provided per team. Students toss the
snowflake back and forth, trying not to drop it. After each successful
catch, the students take one step back, creating a greater challenge. Each
time the snowflakes drops, they move one step closer. The team that
successfully throws the snowflake the farthest wins.
Green tree Balance
Materials: Spoon and plastic green tree for each team
Students are lined up in single file. The first student is given a plastic
green tree which he or she will balance on a spoon. A cone is placed
approximately10 feet away from the front of the line. The student places the
green tree on the spoon and tries to balance it while running to the cone
and back. When the student returns to the line, he/she gives the spoon and
green tree to the next person in line and returns to the end of the line.
The team that finishes first wins.
Snowman in the Middle
A student is chosen to play the Snowman. He sits on a stool. The other
players move around the Snowman and tell him he cannot catch them. The
Snowman tries to catch them without leaving his stool. The first one tagged
is the next Snowman. This game also teaches alertness, agility, and self-
control.
Snowman Says
One player is the leader and orders the other players to make motions such
as "Snowman says, thumbs up" or "Snowman says, hands on your head.� The
leader also makes all of these motions. If he omits "Snowman says,"
however, and just orders "Thumbs up," the players must not make the motion.
Anyone who does so is out of the game. The winner is the player who remains
in the game the longest. This game shows the importance of following and
listening to specific directions.
References:
Fit 4 Fun Fitness
http://worknotes.com/IL/Chicago/Fit4FunKidsFitness/index.html
New Years Games
New Year�s Bash
New Year�s is the first of the new year. It is celebrated with parties, food
fun and celebration. Some people start their festivities early by
remembering the old year and making promises for the new. The month of
January was named after this god. Janus had two faces. One looked ahead to
see what the new year will bring and the other looked backward to see what
happened during the past year.
Not all countries or cultures celebrate New Year on January 1st. Other
countries all have different start dates. Chinese New Year starts on a
different day each year. Thousands of years ago, the Egyptians celebrated
their New Year about the middle of June. That was the time when the Nile
River usually overflowed.
January 1 is became recognized as New Year's Day in the 1500's when the
Gregorian Calendar was introduced. The Julian Calendar places the New Year
on January 14. The Jewish New Year, a feast day, is celebrated in late
September. In ancient Rome, the first day of the New Year honored Janus -
the god of gates and doors and beginnings and endings.
English people first celebrated their New Years Day on March 1st and then
after the Gregorian Calendar was introduced followed the custom of cleaning
their chimneys on New Year's Day. The English believed this brought good
luck to the household for the coming year. The expression "cleaning the
slate" came from this custom. It means making resolutions to correct faults
and bad habits.
People resolve to make themselves better in the New Year. It is still
custom today to make a list of resolutions. The New Year is a great times
to make promises to start a healthy lifestyle. Here are a collection of
games that you can play to encourage fitness with your child. So time to
quit eating the cake and cookies of the holidays and turn to fitness.
Stack the cups
Materials: Set of 10 cups and tops and ball
Ask a local restaurant to give you a set of ten cups and tops. Practice
adding the tops and stacking them in a row of four then three, two and then
one to make a cup sculpture. Relays can be composed of teams each adding a
cup to the pyramid and the team that finishes first wins the game. Then the
cups are ready for a ball knock down and the first team that successfully
knocks down the complete set of cups is the winner.
New Year Shuttle Run
Materials: Two Erasers for each team
Mark two parallel lines 30 feet apart and place two blocks of wood or
similar object behind one of the lines. Students start behind opposite line.
On the signal "Ready? Go!" the student runs to the blocks, picks one up,
runs back to the starting line, places block behind the line, runs back and
picks up the second block and runs back across starting line. Practice the
length of steps with running baby steps during the shuttle run. For variety
have each team member take a turn running large such as how New Year marches
quickly on.
Time Tag
Choose one person to be the baby and have them be it. The rest of the
players are Father Time or the previous year. As the Baby of the New Year
tags the people they become part of the New Year and can tag others to add
to the New Year. When everyone is the New Year the game is over.
New Year�s Seats Game
When all the players are seated in chairs in a circle, It (who has no chair)
stands in the center and repeats, "Change seats!" as many times as she
likes. The players, however, remain seated until she adds the phrase "The
New Year's come." At these words, the seated players must change seats but
not with a neighbor to their immediate right or left--while It tries to grab
a seat for herself. The odd player out is the new It.2. A tricky It will
vary the speed of her speech and sometimes say, "The New Year's not come,"
in an attempt to lure the inattentive and overeager player from his or her
seat.
Old Man Year Shuffle
Materials: Beanbag
1. Have the children stand side by side with their beanbags on top of their
feet. Players try to shuffle across the room without dropping their "eggs."
The first one to succeed wins.
Old Year, New Year Delight
Materials : Two balls
Two teams stand alternately in a single circle formation. Each team has a
ball. One Team is the Old Year and the other is the New Year. At the signal
the balls are thrown in the same direction from person to person belonging
to the same team. The balls start moving from opposing players standing
opposite each other in the circle. The purpose is to see if one team can
move its ball from player to player at such a speed that it overtakes the
ball from the opposing team. If this happens one point is scored and the
game begins again. The first team to score three points wins.
Shoe Hustle
Materials: Pair of Shoes from each person
Everyone should sit in a circle on the floor. Remove both shoes, then remove
the shoestrings and place them in the toes of the shoes. The shoes then go
into the center of the circle and have someone mix up the pile or rotate the
circle of kids. At a signal, everyone races for the pile, finds his shoes,
laces them up, and puts them on. The first child finished and standing is
the winner!
Fun Attic
www.funattic.com/
President�s Challenge
http://www.presidentschallenge.org/educators/program_details/physical_fitness
/events_shuttlerun.aspx
Jump Bunch
http://www.jumpbunch.com/kidsfitnessgames.html