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- Weather Games
- Veggie Games
- Incredibles Routine
- Spiders
- Games from Long Ago
- Community Helpers
- Continent Games
- Asian Games
- Hawaii Games
- Princess Games
- Picnic Party
- 4th of July
- Larry Boy
- Angry Birds Ideas
Weather Games Weather Games
Children learn in three basic ways. They learn by kinesthetically or hands-
on, visual or auditorially. When you teach science why not let them use
their bodies, minds, eyes and ears. This is a series of games on weather
which will encourage learning and fun!
Weather Tag
Choose a season and name a person to represent that season. Before that
person is tagged, have them mention some activity or part of nature that is
a part of that season. If they cannot name something, they are it.
Students cannot repeat what any other student has already said about a
season.
Winter Dress Relay
Have kids get into two lines. Depending on the season, have them dress up
one person in the group with all the items in the team�s bag. The team that
dresses up their teammate first wins. Make sure that an identical number of
items are in each bag.
Fashion Madness
First, get a bag full of different funny clothes: hats, shirts, swimsuits,
boxers, skirts, coats etc. Then have all players sit in a circle. With
music playing, they pass the bag around until the music stops. When the
music stops, the player with the bag has to close their eyes and reach into
the bag. Whatever they pull out, they have to wear. When the bag is empty,
everyone votes to determine funniest outfit.
Veggie Games A new year is a great opportunity to teach kids to get into the healthy
habit of exercising. Nearly half of all elementary school students are at
an unhealthy weight, which can subject them to coronary disease, blindness,
stroke, asthma, and a poor self-image. Illinois is the only state that
requires daily P.E. for every public school student. Trainers and group
instructors are essential in teaching children the importance of exercising
daily. Children are easily motivated but they can exhibit a wide range of
exercising habits. I have written this article to give you a few ideas when
working with children.
Here is a group of exercises that I have done with my children�s groups that
get them off the couch and into healthy habits. The exercises are aerobic,
toning, or stretching routines named after different vegetables or fruits.
Taking popular aerobic or strength exercises and making them into different
fruits and vegetables can make an ordinary workout enjoyable, yet also teach
the children the importance of eating healthy fruits and vegetables.
First of all, the trainer needs to make exercising fun. I would suggest
using music from http://www.dole5aday.com. The music that is available
from this web site is "kid friendly" and talks about the benefits of eating
healthy fruits and vegetables. The music is also available for free
downloading from this site. In addition, most local libraries have a wide
selection of music talking about the importance of eating healthy fruits and
vegetables.
For general warm-ups, try the �Tater Tot Trot.� Jog in place and pump your
arms. Every ten steps or slowly stretch your neck, look back at the right
shoulder and then at the left shoulder. For �Spud Sprints� look straight
head and speed up a running pace. Make sure the students land on their
heels and not their toes. If you have a fairly large area, try trotting on
a running trail inside or outside. The �Trot� works the posterior deltoid,
hamstrings, quadriceps, and illiposoas.
The �Strawberry Stretch� is a great exercise to stretch your back, arms, and
shoulders. It teaches balance and coordination. First, you cross your
right foot in front of your left. Bend down, touch your right toe, count to
eight, and then straighten up. Make sure your back stays straight and does
not arch. Cross your left foot in front of your right and repeat the
stretch. The �Strawberry Stretch� works the lattisimus dorsi, teres major,
the triceps, and the biceps. It also helps all three parts of the deltoid
including the anterior, posterior and the lateral parts of the shoulder.
�Pumpkin Peeler� works the legs, back, arms, and shoulders. It also teaches
balance and dexterity. Stand and lock your fingers together behind your
back. Bend forward at the waist and keep your legs straight. With your
fingers still locked, raise your arms over your head. Hold for a count of
eight. This is can also be done by bending your knees. For an added
challenge, stretch out your calf or leg. You can teach about importance of
flexing and extending your calf. The �Pumpkin Peeler� is good for the
lattismus dorsi, teres major, and gently stretches the legs. It effectively
extends the shoulder muscles.
The� Sweet Pea Ski� is of benefit for legs and teaching balance. Stand with
your feet together. As you bend a bit in the knees, swing both your arms to
the right as if you were using two ski poles on that side. Straighten up
then repeat the bend and swing to the left. The �Sweet Pea� is great for
the inner thigh, the hip adductor, or the gracilis. It is good for the hip
flexors, the obliques, and the pectineus. This exercise offers the added
benefit of working the whole gluteus, including the maximums, medius, and
minimus.
�Pepper Pops� are great for the beginner and advanced exerciser. It works
the legs, chest, and back. Do jumping jacks and clap above your head. For
a �Pepper Pop Plus�, add a right kick and a left kick with a clap under
the knee. Make sure your back stays straight. It works the erector spinae
at the lower back. The chest or serratus anterior and the pectorals major
also have a workout as well.
The �Broccoli Bounce� is good for the upper and lower body. Stand with
hands clasped behind your heck and your elbows drawn back. Walk in place,
raising your knees, bring your left elbow down to touch it. When you lift
your left knee, bring your right elbow down to touch it. The �Broccoli� is
good for both the hamstrings and the quadriceps. It works the smaller
muscles as well as the important part of the legs, the calves, or the
gastrocneumuis, soleus, tibialis anterior and the knee.
�Cauliflower Chippers� are a great way to end an aerobic session. It works
the knees and the arms. Bounce up and down with your knees without taking
your feet off the floor. At the same time, stretch your arms to each side
and swing them in giant circles. You may also flex and extend the important
yet neglected extensors and flexors of the wrists. You can change the
movement of the chippers as well as cooling down by a stretch by elongating
your shoulders, back, chest, and arms. The students should be encouraged to
walk slowly in order to stretch their legs properly.
You can add additional ideas to the session by playing the video section
from the Veggie Tales song,� The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. �Reward
measured improvement with their own copy of the video, and have parents of
your clients take turns bringing the snack of fruits and vegetables.
Exercise can be fun for children with just a little bit of creativity.
References:
Big Idea Productions, Ultimate Silly Songs, Word 1997
Brownell, Kelly D., Food Fight, McGraw Hill, 2004
Dauer. Victor P. and Pangrazi, Robert P. Dynamic Physical Education for
Elementary School Children, Macmillan, 1989
Dole 5 A Day Music
www.dole5aday.com
Essential Youth Fitness
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/kidsfitness.htm
Fitness for Fun and for Future
http://www.protraineronline.com/past/oct03/christina.cfm
Learning 90, Couch Potato Jive, September 1990
Murphy, Ann Pleshette, Are Food Ads Fueling Childhood Obesity. December 2,
2003
New York Daily News, Fighting Child Obesity, November 24, 2003
Time Magazine, Why So Many of Us Are Getting Diabetes, December 8, 2003
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/printout/0,8816,552059,00.html
Christina Chapan is an ACE certified personal trainer, fitness author,
education conference speaker and elementary school teacher. She also works
in the after school care program at her school and at the local recreational
center. In her spare time, she works as a youth sponsor at her church. If
you are interested in learning more about Christina, please visit her
websites:
Fit 4 Fun
http://cchapan.tripod.com/
Fit 4 Fun Kids Fitness
http://worknotes.com/IL/Chicago/Fit4FunKidsFitness/
Incredibles Routine INCREDIBLES PARTY GAMES
As an adult, I still love kid flicks. This great movie teaches moral values
and family unity. Here are some party games I recently did in conjunction
to the movie. The Incredibles.
Violet�s Invisible Force Field
One student will start out as "The Invisible Force Field," 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 force fields. This repeats until everyone is caught.
Mr. Incredible finds the Volcano Secret Hideout
This indoor/outdoor game is Hide and Seek in reverse. Mr. Incredible gets
a twenty second head start to hide, then everyone goes to look for Mr.
Incredible . When a player finds Mr. Incredible he tries to join Mr.
Incredible in the hiding spot without being seen by the others. As more and
more players find Mr. Incredible,� they pack into the hiding spot �like
sardines�! The last one to find Mr. Incredible becomes Mr. Incredible for
the next round.
Frozone Freeze Tag
�Frozone� 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 �Frozone� for the next
round.
Syndrome�s Learning Machine
Materials: Pool noodle (18 inches long) or paper towel roll
Start with one person being �The Learning Machine.� The person who is �The
Learning Machine� holds one piece of the noodle/roll and chases people
within the boundaries. The Learning Machine will then hit people below the
knees. The person who is hit must lock arms with the tagger. The two of
the �learning machine� 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 �learning machine.�
Mirage�s Self-Defense System
Materials: Small ping-pong or whiffle ball
A large dining room or picnic table is perfect for this game. You will need
a ping-pong ball or small whiffle ball. The ball is placed at the center of
the table. Students blow the ball with all their might, trying to blow it
off the table at the end belonging to the opposing team. Teams must work
together to keep the ball from going off their side of the table.
Jack Jack Bobbity-Balloon-Relay
Divide into teams and give one balloon for each team. Half of each team is
at opposite ends of the room. The first player of each team must keep the
balloon in the air while racing down to the other end. She passes the
balloon off to the first player of her team at that end who races back, and
passes it off to the next, etc. To be declared the winning team, all
members of the team must have successfully raced with the balloon in the air.
Elastic Relay
To play, form two even teams. The first players from each team get into
squat position, squatting with their hands on the ground. While making
stretching sounds, they then have to "stretch squat hop" to the end of the
playing field and back. Then the next person on each team goes. The
winning team is the group that finishes first
Dash�s Yard Party
Materials: Scarves, rolled up socks or beanbags
To play, you need many items of the same kind. You will also need a way to
divide the playing field in half. Divide into two teams, A and B. One side
of the playing field is Team A's backyard; the other side is Team B's
backyard. Players all get down on their hands and knees and on the signal,
they have one minute to throw as many socks as they can into the other
team's yard. The team with the fewest items in their backyard after one
minute is the winner.
Therefore, if you are looking for active party games to add to your family�s
next party try this routine!
Spiders Spider Games!
Spiders are incredible creatures. With their eight hairy legs, various
colors, and compound eyes, children of all ages love spiders. Here is a
series of games that gets you excited about these lovely arachnids!
Spider Target Practice
Equipment: Black balloons and black foam noodles
Students toss the balloon into the air and strike the balloon with the black
foam noodle. They see how many times they can hit the balloon before it
reaches the ground. They can use the noodle to try to keep the balloon
aloft.
Spider Curl-ups
Equipment: Black balls or plastic spiders
Partners hook their feet together and hold spiders or black balls in their
hands. Curl-up together, show each other the spider or ball, and say hello
to their partner�s spider.
Spider Aerobics:
Equipment: An old sheet and a flashlight
Have a student act like a spider behind the sheet and have students in front
of the sheet copy the motions. Include calisthenics (sit-ups, jumping
jacks, and squats) in your routine.
Spider Web
Equipment: A couple of old sheets and several chairs
Place one or two sheets over chairs and leave openings at the beginning and
at the end. Students scoot on their stomachs through the cave. Do not
forget to include small spiders in the cave. For a variation of the game,
have the students scoot under the cave with a scooter.
Spider Mimic
Have students take turns acting like a spider while the other students copy
the spider�s movements.
Spider Bowling:
Equipment: A black puck and plastic bottles
Set up bottles of various sizes and have students try to hit the pins with a
puck colored like a spider. Hypothesize which bottle will go down first.
For a variation of this game, try to use a black beanbag or ball and see
what bottle goes down first.
Hit the Web
Equipment: A parachute and some plastic spiders
Have the students take a ball, throw it in the web (parachute) and see who
hits the center first.
Yarns
Equipment: String and book about spiders
Have the students listen to a story about spiders. Toss a ball of string to
a student and then have them share one thing that they liked about the
book. Pass the ball around, spinning a web, until everyone has had a
chance to share.
Spider�s Web
Equipment: String and ball
Pick one person to be it. Have them stand in the circle of string. See if
they can hit anyone with the ball. If the person is hit, they become the
spider.
Walk through the web
Materials: Foam noodles or exercise ladder
Set up a dozen foam noodles. See if the students can first walk, then run,
and, finally, skip without touching any of the noodles.
Spider Chute
Materials: Plastic spiders and chute
Gather students to lift a parachute. Put a dozen or so spiders on the
chute. Hypothesize which ones will come off first.
Wiggling Spiders
Materials: Chute
Have kids hold the parachute and select a few to go under the chute. As you
sing the Wiggling Spiders song, have them come out of the parachute.
Wiggling Spiders
(Tune: Farmer in the Dell)
The Spiders are wiggling low
The Spiders are wiggling low
Hi ho the derri-o
The Spiders are wiggling low.
Other suggestions for additional verses: fast, backwards, sideways, rolling
over, wiggling out.
Spider Finder
Materials: beanbags and chute
Have the students hold up a parachute. See if they can tell which color
beanbag you put on the chute. For a variation of the game, call out a color
and see if the students can find the correct color.
These games are for parents, teachers, and those who love to work with
children. They are a great alternative for those who choose to not
celebrate Halloween (like me), yet who want to have fun with the holiday.
So forget your fears about these eight-legged creatures and try Spider
Games!
References
Party Game Central
http://www.partygamecentral.com/
PE Central
http://www.pecentral.org
PE Links four U
http://www.pelinks4u.org
Perceptual Preschool
http://www.perpetualpreschool.com/
Scout Base Games
http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/direct/games/index.php?ID=219
Party Games
http://www.partygamecentral.com/pgcstandard/gametmpstd.asp?gn=SPIDER+TOSS
Wilmes, Liz, and Dick. Parachute Play.Elgin, Illinois: Building Blocks,
2000.
Games from Long Ago Recently I had the opportunity as a teacher and a group fitness instructor
to take my 21st century students for some 19th and 20th century-style
games. The games mentioned here are timeless, fun and easy to use for
students of any century.
Materials: (Many of these items can be purchased from the dollar or discount
store.)
� Two large spoons
� Two oranges or similar sized objects
� Two handkerchiefs
� Twelve beanbags/Frisbees or similar sized objects
� Two to four light-weight or whiffle balls
� Two clean, empty, chicken buckets
Warm-ups
Hunt the Ring
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 ring 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 ring. If the guess is right, the person with
the ring becomes �IT.� This game teaches children to be quick, agile, and
aware of their surroundings.
Cat Meowing
One person is blindfolded or closes their eyes. The others move around the
player in a circle. The person who is �IT� tries to catch the other
players. The person caught must meow like a cat. If the guess is correct
then that person becomes the cat. If the guess is wrong, play continues
until the cat correctly identifies the meow of the other player. This game
teaches skills similar to Hunt the Ring, but also involves the hearing
skills.
Feather, Feather in the Air
Players may sit in a circle or be in a designated area. A feather or
lightweight object is tossed into the air and the other players see how long
they can keep the object afloat without it dropping to the floor. Plastic
packing peanuts work well for this purpose also. Direction, speed and
cooperation make this game a great success among kids.
Anytime Games
Red Light, Green Light
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 light,�
players move toward him. When he calls "red light," he opens his eyes and
all of the players must stop moving. Any player who is caught in motion
must return to the starting line. Players can continue moving if any color
other than "red light" 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. Relays about automobiles are a great thematic follow-up
after this game. Types of automobiles in the early 20th century can be
named. This game emphasizes following directions and listening.
Captain, May I?
This is similar to Red Light. There is a goal line and a starting line, and
the player who is "Captain" stands at the goal line. The "Captain"
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, "Captain, 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 Captain then addresses another player on the line and continues
until one player finally reaches the goal line. That player then becomes
the "Captain.� Listening and following directions is important in this
game.
Drop the Handkerchief
This is played with at least eight players and a handkerchief or small piece
of folded paper. 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 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
Farmer and the Crow
Divide the children into teams of equal number, each team behind a starting
line, facing a wall or finish line about twenty feet away. The first player
on each team is a farmer, the second player is a crow, the third is a
farmer, the fourth is a crow, and so on. At a signal, the first farmer on
each team takes the seeds (six beanbags or another similar sized object) and
places them at equal intervals from the starting line to the finish line.
He runs back and touches the second player, a crow. The crow must hop over
each of the beanbags, touch the finish line, change to the other foot, hop
back, and pick up each seed as he comes to it. He hands the seeds to player
number three, a farmer, who goes out to plant them again, and so on. The
team finishing first wins. Play again letting each crow be a farmer and
vice versa. Having a practice round for this game is helpful for students
to know what to do in each round of the relay. This game teaches sequencing
and following directions.
Shepherd and the Wolf
This game also is played in a large open area. One player is designated the
Shepherd, another as the Wolf. The rest of the players are sheep. The
sheep are stationed at one end of the open area and the Shepherd at the
other. The Wolf is in between. The sheep must try to get to the Shepherd
without being nabbed by the Wolf. The Wolf takes captured sheep to his
den. The Shepherd takes safe sheep to his fold. The Shepherd can rescue
captured sheep by tagging them in the Wolf's den when the Wolf is not
there. The Wolf can do the same with the sheep in the Shepherd's fold. The
game is over when the last stray sheep makes a run. The winner is the
Shepherd or the Wolf with the most captured sheep. This game teaches skill
and agility.
.
The Ribbons Game
A few ribbons are needed to play this game of opposites. The players sit in
a circle and a player is selected to be the leader. The leader hands out a
ribbon to each player. If the leader tells them to hold on to the ribbons,
the players do the opposite thing and let go. If the leader tells them to
let go of the ribbons the players continue to hang on to the ribbons. This
game teaches teamwork and cooperation.
Frog in the Middle
A student is chosen to play the frog. He sits on a stool. The other
players move around the frog and tell him he cannot catch them. The frog
tries to catch them without leaving his stool. The first one tagged is the
next frog. This game also teaches alertness, agility, and self-control.
Simon Says
One player is the leader and orders the other players to make motions such
as "Simon says, thumbs up" or "Simon says, hands on your head.� The leader
also makes all of these motions. If he omits "Simon 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.
.
Cool down
Post office
Everyone chooses a major city like Chicago, New York City, etc. They are
mail. If the postmaster calls out their city, they are to exchange places
with another player before the postmaster can take their seat. This is
another game that teaches listening and following directions.
Blow-ball or Tuff Ball
A large dining room or picnic table is perfect for this game. You will need
a ping-pong ball or small whiffle ball. The ball is placed at the center of
the table. Students blow the ball with all their might, trying to blow it
off the table at the end belonging to the opposing team. Teams must work
together to keep the ball from going off their side of the table.
So get the kids off the couch and out in the open air. Before you know it,
you will be playing right along with them and burning excess calories and
stress.
Suggested References:
Free Games
http://business.fortunec�IT�y.com/goodnight/600/freegames.html
Kalman, Bobbie Games from Long Ago, New York:NY: Crabtree Publishing
Company, 1995.
Old Fashioned Kid�s Games
http://www.mainstreetmom.com/fun_old_games.htm
Pack 11four�s Library of Games
http://www.creighton.edu/~bsteph/pack11four/library/games.html
Stewart, Georgiana All-Time-Favorite Children�s Game: Long Branch, NJ.Kimbo
Educational, 1979
Community Helpers COMMUNITY HELPERS
Do you know the community helpers in your neighborhood? This article is
dedicated to the special men and women who better our lives and are a part
of our world. Get ready to move and meet the community helpers in your
neighborhood. Do not forget to have fun!
Plumber�s Knot
With your students stand in a circle, each putting in first their left hand
and grasping that of someone else� hand , then doing the same with the
right, making sure that they are holding two different people's hands.
Challenge them to undo themselves into a circle.
Assembly Line Workers
Materials: Tray
Various items such as a ball, Frisbee, and beanbag
First, talk about assembly lines and what they are. Why are they used?
Gather some stuff and go outside for a "game." Pretend that you are in the
factory building a new contraption. You have to have a tray first, a
Frisbee goes on top of the tray, the ball goes in the Frisbee, etc...
Mail carrier, Mailman: Where is the Mail?
Materials: letter
Get an envelope and write on it to make it look like a letter. Choose one
child to be the mail carrier. He or she must figure out which child has
the "mail.� Have the children sit and in a circle and pick one person who
must hide it behind his back. Have the mail carrier close his eyes while
standing in the circle. All of the children must keep their hands behind
their back as well. The children say "Mail carrier , Mail carrier, where's
the mail?� The mail carrier opens his eyes ands gets three chances to pick
which child is hiding. If he guesses the right person he must run around
the circle with the letter person chasing him. The mailman must get to the
other person�s place first or he will be the mail carrier for the next
game. After two times being the mail carrier another person is chosen.
Police officer: Red Light, Green Light
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 light,�
players move toward him. When he calls "red light," he opens his eyes and
all of the players must stop moving. Any player who is caught in motion
must return to the starting line. Players can continue moving if any color
other than "red light" 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
Train Conductor
Everyone chooses a major city like Chicago, New York City, etc. They are
train passengers. If conductor calls out their city, they are to exchange
places with another player before the conductor can take their seat.
Dental Health Relay
Materials:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Cup
Water
Towel
Mouth rinse
Dental floss
Directions
Students form two equal lines. On the signal, the first student runs to the
Supply box, gets a toothbrush, and lays it on the picture of the teeth.
Then he tags the next student. That student goes to the box and gets the
Toothpaste and the event continue in the same way with all tooth items.
The team that gets all the supplies first wins the event!
Doctor: Healthy Bone Relay
Materials:
Plastic eggs or Hard-boiled eggs
Two large spoons
Divide students into two teams. Each team is given an egg, a large spoon,
Then, they will walk their egg to the other end of the field then back, and
hand it to their teammate. The relay continues until all the students have
taken their egg on a ride.
Theater Popcorn Popper
Materials: parachute and balls of various sizes
Start with everybody holding the chute stretched out. Throw as many soft
balls as you can find on to the chute. Then see how quickly you can bounce
them off with out letting go of the chute. For a variation of this game,
try small sponges, balloons, or beanbags.
Hypothesize which balls come off the chute first and why.
Waiter, Waiter Game
Materials:
Tray
Various plastic foods
Students will form four equal lines. On go the first student and their
friend in each line will walk with their lunch tray to the center circle of
plastic foods. They will choose a food from the Food Guide Pyramid. After
choosing their food and placing it on the tray, they hand the tray to the
second student and buddy. The event continues in this way until the team has
a food from each group on the Food Guide Pyramid. If a student drops a
food, that food must be returned to the circle. The first team to complete
the balance sits down. They are the winner.
Helping the Harvest: A Gardener�s Day
Materials:
Hoe
Cardboard Flower
Watering Can
Fertilizer Bucket
Spray Can
Basket
Bicycle, tricycle, or scooter
Teams are made up of six members. Each team needs a hoe, cardboard flowers,
a watering can, a fertilizer buckets, and spray can, a basket and a
tricycle. (You can also use pictures or word to represent the various parts
of the relay). Each child takes in order the planter, then the hoe, the
flowers, a watering can, fertilizer, and then the bicycle and comes back
with the flowers planted and grown.
Career of Choice Imaginary Shoes
Have kids act out what they would do if they were in particular shoes. Some
Shoes ideas can be ice skates, snowshoes, skis, tap shoes, ballet toe shoes,
Boots such as a cowboy, astronaut, and child in the snow. So get out and
get some exercise as you learn more about your community helpers.
References:
Assembly Line Workers
http://www.imaginedreambelieve.com/CommunityHelpers.html
Fit 4 Fun Kids Fitness
http://worknotes.com/IL/Chicago/Fit4FunKidsFitness/
Knots
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/3209/Skills1.html#Dodge
Continent Games African Games
Africa is a beautiful continent full of history and culture. This series of
games will keep you moving to the beat. So turn up the heat and try African
Games!
Ampe (Ghana)
Choose one player to be the leader and have the others stand in a semicircle
with the leader facing the player at either end of the group. Have five or
six in each circle. The leader and the player both clap hands. They jump in
place at the same time, and then they jump and thrust one foot forward. If
the two have put the same foot forward, the leader is out and the player
takes her place. If they have thrust different feet forward, the leader
moves to the next player and the same routine begins. A point is scored
every time the leader is successful. Every player takes a turn as a
leader. The one who scores the most points wins.
Match my feet (Zaire)
The children stand in a circle. The leader claps a rhythm and everyone
joins in. The leader then stands in front of another child and makes up a
dance to a rhythm. If the second child copies the dance successfully, he
becomes the leader. If not, the leader chooses a different child and
repeats the dance.
Chigora Danda (Zimbabwe)
The players alternate so that three play each game. Place two of the poles
(4 to 5 feet long) on the ground parallel to each other and 4 feet apart.
The third pole is laid across the middle of the poles. Two players sit at
each end of the cross bar, and the third is in the middle�straddling and the
cross pole. The two seated players lift the cross pole up and down, tapping
the parallel poles. The surrounding players clap, and a rhythm is
established. Start very slowly. The third player hops off. The raising and a
lowering of the clapping and hopping increase in speed. The game ends when
the third player fails to hop on the cross pole. The players rotate so
everyone has a turn hopping and manipulating the cross pole.
If you are looking for games to teach children about the wonderful dark
continent, try games from Africa.
European Games
Europe is a country rich in culture and full of many interesting games.
Here an article featuring some of its exciting games.
Swap Chairs by the Numbers (France)
Materials: post-it- notes, marker, blindfold
In the French version, all players but one sit in chairs in a circle. Place
post-it notes behind every person�s chair. Then, the standing player is
blindfolded. The game starts with the blindfolded player standing in the
middle of the circle. He calls out two numbers. Players with these numbers
must exchange seats. The object of the game is for the blindfolded player
to either to catch a player or to find a seat left vacant during an
exchange. No player may slip outside the circle. Once the game has
started, the blindfolded player may move anywhere inside the circle but may
not go outside. When the blindfolded player tags someone, he takes his
number and seat. The tagged player is then blindfolded, and the game
continues.
Pass the Orange (Ireland)
Materials: oranges or small soft balls for each team
Two team leaders are selected, and the teacher divides the teams equally
with five or six players. If there is an extra person, they will become the
judge. The teams line up with the leaders at one end. The leaders tuck
oranges under their chins. At a signal from the judge, the leaders try to
pass the oranges to the next player on their team. Each player must grasp
the orange only with his chin. If the orange is dropped, it must be returned
to the leader, why starts it again on its way. The team that passes the
orange to the end of the line without dropping it is the winner.
Uno, due, tre, Stella (Italy, France)
The leader turns her back. The other children creep up, trying to touch
her. She counts to three and on �Stella,� she turns around. Any child she
sees moving before the child touches her back becomes the leader.
Exchange Race (England)
Materials: Ball or beanbag per team
The players of each group stand in a line facing each other about 30 feet
apart. The leader of each group toes the starting line and holds a ball or
beanbag. At a given signal, the leaders of each file run forward to a center
line, exchange balls or bags, run around each other, run back to their own
half of the team, give the bag to the next player, and run to the end of
their file. This continues until the original leaders hold the bags again.
The leaders then run forward, join hands, and raise them above the head
level. This last procedure proclaims the winning team.
Ladder Jump ( Europe)
The players are divided into teams consisting of three or four members who
are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each team stands in single file with first
person at the starting line. The first person jumps as far forward as
possible�keeping his or her feet together. The next person in line then
jumps, his or her starting point is the heel marks of the first jumper; the
race continues until everyone in line has jumped. The team that covers the
greatest distance wins.
Going to Jerusalem (Germany)
Chairs are placed in a row in the center of the room so that alternate
chairs face in opposite directions. The number of chairs should be one less
than the number of players. One player is chosen to be the leader and
stands to one side, while the others are seated in the chairs. The leader,
carrying a cane, starts the game by walking around a row of chairs as the
music begins and chants, "I'm going to Jerusalem! I am going to
Jerusalem!� Suddenly, the leader stops at the back of a chair and taps his
or her cane on the floor. The player sitting in the chair must immediately
rise and follow the leader. The leader continues to recruit the players for
his or her trip to Jerusalem until all are following the leader in a single
file. When the music stops or on some other signal, the players rush for
chairs. The player without a chair is out of the game and takes one of the
chairs with him. The game continues until there are only two players
encircling one chair. The player who finds it first wins.
Spanish fly (Spain)
The game is very similar the game of leapfrog as it is played in the United
States. While jumping, the leader performs certain feats for the other
players to follow. Many different stunts may be introduced. The leader may
jump over and touch the back with one hand while waving a cap in the other,
jump without touching, make a turn while jumping, or do as he or she
desires. Any player who fails to follow the leader takes the place of the
tieback to be jumped over.
Hallihallo (Switzerland)
Materials: ball or beanbag
The players sit in a row and one, the leader, stands in front of the group
with a ball in his or her hands. The leader says, "It is an animal,
starting with a B" and throws the ball to the first player sitting in the
row. The player replies by trying to guess the name of the animal starting
with "B" and throws the ball back. If the guess is right, he or she then
becomes the leader and stands in front of the group. The first leader sits
at the end of the row. If the player does not know the answer, he or she
throws the ball back to the leader and the play continues to the second
player in the row. If, at the end of the row, no player has guessed the name
of the animal, the leader this time has to say the second letter of the
animal and so on. The leader may ask anything such as the name of a town,
country, river, mountain, car, etc. A player should not be allowed too long
to think but should throw the ball back rather quickly. So if you are
looking for an inexpensive European vacation try these games!
South American Games
Here is a routine about games from our land down south. Get ready to move
and enjoy the warmth that these games will foster.
Uno, does, tres (Chile)
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! (Peru)
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 (Brazil)
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! (Argentina)
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 the ball.
Cascudinho (Little Bee) (Brazil)
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.
Asia
Muoy, pi, bey (Cambodia)
Draw two parallel lines in the soil. Say the rhyme and have one child jump
from the starting line to the far side of the second line to the far side of
the second line. Repeat the rhyme until each child has had a turn, and then
move the second line a little father away. The game continues until one
child is left.
Mazen Al Qurawi (Saudi Arabia)
This game is played with five to ten children. First, choose one player to
be the hunter. The hunter counts to ten with his or her eyes closed;
everyone quickly runs and hides. Then the hunter begins searching for the
other children. If the hunter finds someone, the hiding child tries to
escape and the hunter chases. The hunter must catch the runner. The hunter
must find all the members in the group and tag them. If the hunter can�t
catch all of the members, he or she must say "Clear and start over.� If the
hunter catches all of them, he or she joins the other children and the first
one who was caught become the new hunter.
Taia ya taia! (Egypt)
The catcher shouts, �Taia ya taia!� and starts hopping on one foot. Two
other players chase him and try to tag him. As they do, he tries to tag
them. Any player he touches becomes the new catcher.
Tock, Tock, Tockeeya (Isreal)
The word "tockeeya" means cap and the "tock" is simply the first syllable of
the word "cap" repeated. All players except one sit in a circle. The one
is �it� and is outside the circle holding a cap. As �it� walks around the
circle, he or she chants, "Tock, tock, tockeeya," and is answered by the
circle players with, "Rin, rin, ya jaras (rin, rin, ya JA-ras) which
means "Ring, ring, oh, bell." The chants continue alternately until
�it� drops the cap behind a seated player. The player runs, trying to make
it around the circle without the cap being discovered by the player behind
whom it is dropped. If �it� succeeds, he or she gets to hit the player on
the head with the cap and continue as �it.� If the player behind whom the
cap is dropped discovers it, he or she chases �it� around the circle and
hits �it� with the cap when �it� is caught. It, when caught, joins the
circle players, and the next player becomes �it.�
Crab Race (Japan)
If there are many players, the race may be run in relays. If not, the winner
will be the individual first reaching a marked goal or the individual who
laughs the least. The players race by propping themselves up on their feet
and hands�with their backs to the ground; they walk in this position
backward like crabs.
Mr. Daruma Fell Down (Japan)
Mr. Daruma Fell Down is well-known as a nice game for Japanese children.
First, the person �a tagger� yells to other children, "Mr. Daruma fell
down!" When the tagger yells, the other children run as far away as
possible. Then he turns his back to them. Next he calls out again. "Mr.
Daruma fell down!" After that, he turns around and looks for the other
children, because he has to catch them. When a child moves and is caught, he
has to go to jail.
Five Session Passing (Taiwan)
In my country, a game called "Five Session Passing is played. Children draw
lines on the ground forming 5 squares and divide into two teams. Members of
team one should stand on the lines, and members of team two should stand
inside the square. Those who are standing on the lines should try to touch
those who are standing inside. If someone who is standing inside is touched
by someone who is standing outside, he is out. When the time is up, the team
that has more members left wins.
Australian Games
Down, Down, Down
Materials: tennis ball
You start off with a tennis ball and throw the ball continuously back and
forth until somebody drops the ball. When someone drops the ball, you
say "Down on one knee." If the same person drops it a second time, you
say "Down on two knees." If the same person drops the ball again, you
say "Down on one elbow.� If the players drops it a fourth time, you
say "Down on two elbows." The next time, you say �Down on the chin.� If the
player drops it another time, that player is out. Players must stay in
position to catch and throw the ball. The last person that has not dropped
to the floor is the next it.
Stuck in the Mud
In this version of tag, one person is "it,� but when they touch someone,
that person is "frozen" in place. They cannot move and must stand with their
feet apart. The only way they can become unfrozen is if a person crawls
under their legs. Play continues until all the players are frozen. The
last person to be frozen is "it" for the next game.
References:
Bernarde, Anita Games from Many Lands, New York, NY: Sayre Publishing
Company, 1970.
Children�s Folklore
http://www.geocities.com/childrenfolklore/games.html
Children�s Games from Around the World
http://www.topics-mag.com/edition11/games-section.htm
Dunn, Opal, Acka Backa BOO! New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, LLC, 2000.
International Games
http://www.gameskidsplay.net/games/foreign_indexes/index.htm
Welcome to Interesting Children�s Games from Around the World
http://library.thinkquest.org/J0110166/
Asian Games Asian Games
Every year the Asian celebrate their new year with a new animal. This is
the year of the monkey in China. It is also an excellent time to help kids
blow off a little steam with their animal instincts and get off the couch
and exercise.
Wok�in to the Heat
Materials: Balls and parachute
Put a parachute on the ground and start to wave it in the air. Set balls on
the parachute to simulate the hot meat and ingredients used to make a
Chinese cuisine. When the balls fall off, have someone stand outside the
parachute area and throw them back into the middle of the parachute. This
person can be the cook or simply someone who picks up the balls after they
have fallen out.
.Chinese Dragon
Materials: Parachutes
Start with one person holding the parachute and slowly add children
underneath and behind in a line. Add a dragon face to the person in front
to make the dragon more realistic.
Rock, paper, scissors
Materials: none
This game comes from Japan. When Asian children must decide who will be
first in a game they play rock, paper scissors but using the Japanese words
jan, ken, po. This is a great game for children to play as they are waiting
their turn to play the next game.
Chop Stick Relay
Materials: Four hula-hoops, Rubber chickens / or beanbags to represent
chickens, two chopsticks per line or rhythm/lummi sticks, two stir fry pans
or hula-hoops that represent pans
Students line up in two teams with the first person from each team standing
on a starting line. Give the first student in line two chopsticks. On the
signal to begin, the first student will pick up the rubber chicken/beanbag
from inside the hoop using only the chopsticks. (They may not use hands or
stick the chopstick inside the chicken). They will have to bring the
chicken down to their stir fry pan, then give the sticks to the next student
in line, who then repeats the process. The process continues until everyone
has had a turn.
Chinese Pick up Sticks
Materials: Chopsticks for each squad, small cotton balls or light weight
blocks, one carpet sample for each team
Group students into squads of four. Each squad had a line leader holding a
pair of chopsticks in one hand and the other hand behind their back.
Students will run on the signal to the opposite end of the playing area to
pick up one cotton ball/ blocks with their chopsticks. They will return to
their line with the cotton ball/blocks and place it on a carpet sample, then
hand the sticks to the next player in line and go to the end of the line.
On the signal to begin, play continues until all players have had at least
three turns. The team that has the most cotton balls/ light weight blocks
at the end of the relay is the winner.
Fruit Basket
Materials: One chair per student minus one
Asian Games
Every year the Asian celebrate their new year with a new animal. This is
the year of the monkey in China. It is also an excellent time to help kids
blow off a little steam with their animal instincts and get off the couch
and exercise.
Wok�in to the Heat
Materials: Balls and parachute
Put a parachute on the ground and start to wave it in the air. Set balls on
the parachute to simulate the hot meat and ingredients used to make a
Chinese cuisine. When the balls fall off, have someone stand outside the
parachute area and throw them back into the middle of the parachute. This
person can be the cook or simply someone who picks up the balls after they
have fallen out.
.Chinese Dragon
Materials: Parachutes
Start with one person holding the parachute and slowly add children
underneath and behind in a line. Add a dragon face to the person in front
to make the dragon more realistic.
Rock, paper, scissors
Materials: none
This game comes from Japan. When Asian children must decide who will be
first in a game they play rock, paper scissors but using the Japanese words
jan, ken, po. This is a great game for children to play as they are waiting
their turn to play the next game.
Chop Stick Relay
Materials: Four hula-hoops, Rubber chickens / or beanbags to represent
chickens, two chopsticks per line or rhythm/lummi sticks, two stir fry pans
or hula-hoops that represent pans
Students line up in two teams with the first person from each team standing
on a starting line. Give the first student in line two chopsticks. On the
signal to begin, the first student will pick up the rubber chicken/beanbag
from inside the hoop using only the chopsticks. (They may not use hands or
stick the chopstick inside the chicken). They will have to bring the
chicken down to their stir fry pan, then give the sticks to the next student
in line, who then repeats the process. The process continues until everyone
has had a turn.
Chinese Pick up Sticks
Materials: Chopsticks for each squad, small cotton balls or light weight
blocks, one carpet sample for each team
Group students into squads of four. Each squad had a line leader holding a
pair of chopsticks in one hand and the other hand behind their back.
Students will run on the signal to the opposite end of the playing area to
pick up one cotton ball/ blocks with their chopsticks. They will return to
their line with the cotton ball/blocks and place it on a carpet sample, then
hand the sticks to the next player in line and go to the end of the line.
On the signal to begin, play continues until all players have had at least
three turns. The team that has the most cotton balls/ light weight blocks
at the end of the relay is the winner.
Fruit Basket
Materials: One chair per student minus one
Circle the chairs and sit a student in each chair with one student
standing. . (You can also do this in a classroom with tables and chairs.)
Assign all students one of these fruits: apple, orange, banana, or pear
(repeating fruits as often as necessary). Choose a child who will be "It"
and calls out the name of one of the fruits assigned to the children. All
children with that particular fruit stand and change seats. "It" tries to
sit in one of the empty seats. The child left without a seat gets one
point. This child calls out another fruit and tries to find an empty seat.
The game continues in this way. Instead of naming a specific fruit, "It"
can say "fruit basket," and everyone must change seats. When a child has
three points, he or she is out of the game. Each time a child leaves the
game, remove a chair. Continue until one chair and two children remain or
you run out of time. You can also reinforce other skills that you are
teaching at the time by assigning colors, numbers, various planets from
space instead of fruit.
Japanese Tag
Materials: One or two buttons/necklace to represent who is it.
The one who is chosen to be "Oni� or "It" wears a button/necklace and tries
to tag a player. However, the tagged player must put one hand on the spot
where "Oni" touched him or her, whether the back, the shoulder, the elbow,
the knee, or other part of the body. With his or hand on this spot, he is
now �it� must chase the other players. He or she is relieved of his position
only when another player is tagged. When there are a large number of
children, you may use more than one tagger.
Each team has ten sticks, ten or twelve inches long. These sticks are
arranged in a row about ten or twelve inches long. These sticks are arranged
in a row about ten inches apart like rungs on a ladder, one row for each
team. The player (lame chicken) must hop over these sticks without touching
any of them. Touching a stick disqualifies him. After hopping over the last
stick, still on one foot, he reaches down and picks up the stick. He then
hops back over the remaining sticks. Dropping the stick, he hops over the
nine remaining sticks, picks up the ninth stick, again hopping over the
remaining sticks. This continues until all the sticks have been picked up. A
player is disqualified if he touches both feet to the ground or if he
touches a stick with his foot. Each team has ten sticks, ten or twelve
inches long. These sticks are arranged in a row about ten or twelve inches
long. These sticks are arranged in a row about ten inches apart like rungs
on a ladder, one row for each team. The player (lame chicken) must hop over
these sticks without touching any of them. Touching a stick disqualifies
him. After hopping over the last stick, still on one foot, he reaches down
and picks up the stick. He then hops back over the remaining sticks.
Dropping the stick, he hops over the nine remaining sticks, picks up the
ninth stick, again hopping over the remaining sticks. This continues until
all the sticks have been picked up. A player is disqualified if he touches
both feet to the ground or if he touches a stick with his foot
The Eagle and the Chicks
Materials: none
In this game, the hawk tries to catch one of the chicks and the mother eagle
tries to protect the chicks from the hawk.
The chicks will line up behind the mother hen. The first chick behind the
mother eagle will hold on to her waist, paper plate, or towel. The one
behind the first chick will hold on to the first and so on. The hawk can
catch the chicks by tagging the chick and the mother eagle can protect the
chicks by spreading her arms shoulder high. When the chasing begins, the
hawk is free to run anywhere to catch the chick. The mother eagle will try
to be in front of the hawk to protect the chicks. The mother eagle can�t
be tagged and when all the chicks are tagged another person is chosen to be
the hawk.
The hawk has to go around the mother eagle to catch the chick and he will
try to avoid any contact with the mother eagle.
Helping the Harvest
Materials: Two Hoes, Two Cardboard Flowers, Two Watering Cans, Two
Fertilizer Buckets, Two Spray Cans, Two Baskets, Two Bicycles, tricycles, or
scooters
Teams are made up of six members. Each team needs a hoe, cardboard flowers,
a watering can, fertilizer buckets, spray can, a basket and a tricycle.
(You can also use pictures or words to represent the various parts of the
relay). Each child takes the planter, then the hoe, the flowers, a watering
can, fertilizer, and then the �bicycle� in order and comes back with the
flowers planted and grown. The first team that arrives with the bicycle and
the flowers is the winner.
Suggested References
Brooks, Phillip, Games People Play! Japan: New York, NY: Children�s Press,
1997.
China Online The Eagle and the Chicks
http://chineseculture.about.com/library/weekly/aa112498.htm
International Festival Games
http://schools.eastnet.ecu.edu/pitt/ayden/PE-LP96.HTML
Orlick, Terry. Cooperation Without Competition, Chicago, IL:Pantheon, 1978.
Stewart, Georgiana. A World of Parachute Play, Long Branch, NJ :Kimbo
Music, 1997
Wacky Olympics
http://www.pecentral.org/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=2247
Hawaii Games LUAU FITNESS ROUTINE
Recently, one of my friends had a Hawaiian Luau. This is a list of games
that I performed at her party. Get ready to hula and have some fun with
luau fitness.
Native Dress
Materials: shirt, flip flop, flower leis, sunglasses, and hat for each team
Divide teams into equal groups. Have each of the players run to the dressing
area and try on each of their Hawaiian attire. After the player has tried on
the wardrobe, they take it all off, and go tag the next person in line. The
team that finishes first wins.
Sea Limbo
Materials: limbo stick
Have kids play limbo while acting like different sea animals. For example,
wiggle like a fish, walk like a crab, slide like an eel, etc.
Musical Beach Towels or Mats
Materials: beach towels/mats
Tape/CD player with adjustable volume and Hawaiian music
This game is played like musical chairs. Lay out one less beach towel and/or
beach mat than you have players/beach walkers. Have the beach walkers walk
in a circle around the towels/mats while the music plays. After you turn the
music off, the beach walkers must stand on the towel/mat. The beach walker
who does not make it to a towel/mat must sit out until the next game. Remove
another towel/mat and turn the music back on. Keep repeating this until
there is only one beach walker remaining.
Flamingos
Materials: squirt guns
This is a game of elimination. Two players should stand about five feet
apart, back-to-back. Each challenger holds his raised foot behind him in one
hand and a water pistol in the other hand. On the signal, each flamingo
turns around and tries to make the other contestant lose his balance and
drop his foot. The contestants may not touch each other, but are allowed to
squirt the water pistols. The winner takes on the next challenger until
there is only one player remaining
Around the Islands Basket Toss,
Materials: one basketball hoop or 5-gallon bucket, a ball (basketball or
playground ball), paper cutouts in the shape of the Hawaiian Islands
Each player starts at one end of the Hawaiian Islands and takes a turn
tossing the ball into the basket/bucket. If a player gets a basket, they get
to move on to the next island and take another shot. If the player misses a
basket, it is the next players turn. The first player to make it around all
the islands wins!
Hula Hoopla
Materials: hula hoops
Hand two of the kids hula-hoops and see who can hula the longest. Then, pose
the challenge to two other kids. Once everyone has had a chance, have the
winners of the first round face off against each other and so on, until one
kid is the victor. Have other winners by naming the students who were the
most creative, hard working, daring, etc.
Enjoy some warm weather fitness any time of the year and do Luau Fitness Fun!
Princess Games Princess Games
Every little girl wants to be beautiful. Here are a series of game that can
be played at any type of party gathering. These games can also be modified
so that boys can play along.
Beginning or Ending Games
Pass the frog
This is played like hot potato. Instead of being out when the person is left
holding the frog, the person who gets the frog has to sit in the middle of
the imaginary pond. For a variation of this game, the person can pass a
poisoned apple. When someone is caught with the apple, they have to sit in
the middle like Snow White and wait for the prince to wake her up.
Hot Slipper
Everyone sits in a circle and passes a slipper from one person to the next
while music plays. Someone stops the music. The person left holding the
slipper is out. Continue until there is only one person left.
Royal (Freeze-Frame) Ball
Every royal princess birthday party has a ball. You can play ballroom music
and the kids get to dance. There's only one catch�when the music stops,
everyone freezes. Anyone who moves before the music starts again is out and
can help judge.
Pin the kiss on the frog
Materials: Picture of frog, blindfold, tape and paper kisses
This game is played just like pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey. Each guest takes a
turn putting their kiss on the frog. Blindfold the person, spin them four
times, and have them put the kiss on the frog. The person who gets the kiss
nearest to the frog�s face wins.
Midpoint Activities
Perfect Posture
Put a book on your head and walk to the line and back again without letting
the book fall off your head. If it falls, the person picks it up and puts it
on their head again. The team that finishes first wins. For a variation of
this game, have players keep one of their eyes closed.
Wicked Ruler
Choose one person to be it and have them turn his/her back. The rest of the
group stand at the beginning line and have them run toward the leader when
the ruler is not looking. When the ruler looks, everyone must freeze and
pose like a statue. If the ruler or teacher sees someone move, that person
must start over again at the beginning line. The person who gets to the
leader first without getting caught wins!
Musical Tiaras
Materials: Tiara or crown pictures for each child
Play this game using the same concept as the classic game of musical chairs
with one less tiara than there are children for each round. Place crowns on
a table that the princesses must walk around while the music is playing.
When the music is turned off, the girls must scramble to put on a tiara. The
child without a tiara must leave the game and the game continues with one
less crown until there is one child remaining�the Queen!
Jasmine�s Carpets
Materials: Carpet Samples
This is a variation of musical chairs and the children play with one less
carpet sample than child. When the music stops, have each child find a
square. The child who can�t find a square is out. The last person who is
left can be it or can choose someone else to be it for the next round.
Apple Toss
Materials: Apple (real or stuffed) or small red ball and five buckets
Have the children take a turn and see if they can put the apple into a
series of five buckets spread out two inches apart. The child or team that
gets the most apples in the buckets wins.
Active Games
Royal Dress up Relay
Materials: Two equal sets of old clothing.
Divide the players into two small groups and line them up at the start line.
Blow the whistle or say �go�! The first players in each line open the
suitcase and put on the clothes. They shut the suit case and run to the line
and back. Then they stop, take off the clothes, and put them back in the
suitcase. The process starts all over again with the next person. The first
team to finish wins.
Mermaid Chase
Materials: green streamers
Have a mermaid chase with green streamers around the chaser�s waist and when
he/she tags someone they are to take one of the streamers and chase other
people. The last person without a streamer becomes it for the next game.
Steal the Crown
The object of Steal the Crown is take the �crown� back to your own side
without being caught. In this game, two teams are chosen, and one umpire is
selected. One object is required to be the crown. The members of each team
are numbered. They form two opposing lines and place the crown in the exact
center between them. The teacher then calls out a number. The players on
each side who are assigned that number are the players for that round. No
other team members leave their side of the field. Neither player may touch
the other until someone touches the crown. Once a player touches the crown,
however, the other player may tag him/her. If a player is able to grab the
crown and carry it back over to his/her own side, that team scores a point.
In some games, points are scored by carrying it to the other team�s side. If
a player is tagged after touching the crown and before he/she returns their
own side, the team that tagged him/her scores a point. The game is over when
a predetermined number of points are scored or when all numbers have been
called. For a change of pace, the teacher can call more than one number, in
which case several players from each side participate. In some games,
players may tag any player on the opposing team, in others, a player may
only tag the player on the other team that they share a number with.
References
Coolest Kid
http://www.coolest-kid-birthday-parties.com/kid-games.html
DLTK Kids
http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/cartoons/birthday/princess.htm
Entertaining About
http://entertaining.about.com/cs/kidsparties/a/princessparty.htm
Games Kids Play
http://www.gameskidsplay.net/games/chasing_games/bacon.htm
Princess Party Pieces
http://www.partypieces.co.uk/pages/partytips/partytips_Disney%20Princess.pdf
Theme Parties and More
http://www.themepartiesnmore.com/generic233.html
http://www.themepartiesnmore.com/generic65.html
Picnic Party Picnic Party!
This series of games is dedicated to great fun in the outdoors. These games
can be played at any time of the year with different age levels. So get
ready to roll and have fun at the picnic party
Duck, Duck, Squirt
Materials: water gun with water
All players sit or stand in a circle and pick a person to be it. They are
to go around the circle like in �Duck, Duck, Goose,� but they say, �Duck,
Duck, and Squirt.� They, then, squirt a player and the chase begins.
The �squirter� runs around the circle and back to player�s position without
getting tagged by the person who was squirted.
Hamburger Relay
Materials: Set of balls and Frisbees for each team
Each line leader balances a small-ball a �hamburger� on a Frisbee �tray.�.
On your signal, the first waitperson moves to a distant line using the
locomotor skill of choice: skipping, hopping, running, etc. If a student�s
ball falls from the Frisbee to the floor during that action, he/she must
perform three good jumping jacks before continuing. After the waitperson
reaches the distant line, he/she returns to the starting line and relays
the �tray and burger� to the next player. Continue until all players have
run the relay.
Cookie Monster
Materials: bean bags and a bucket
Assign one child to be the �cookie monster.� Have everyone else get a
partner. Give each set of partners a bean bag. Sit partners about 15 ft.
apart facing each other. The bean bags represent �cookies.� The partners
share their cookies by tossing them in the air back and forth the bean bags
without the �cookie monster� getting them. The �cookie monster� will be
moving around trying to steal the �cookies� with a hockey stick. If
the �cookie monster� gets a �cookie,� he/she will take it and put it in
the �cookie jar� (a bucket). When interest is lost or all �cookies� have
been stolen, choose a new �cookie monster.�
Ketchup, Mustard and Pickles
Materials: Green, yellow and red streamers
Divide students into equal groups. Have them choose who will be ketchup,
mustard, and pickles. Give the red streamers to the ketchup team, yellow to
the mustard team, and green to the pickles team. Have students place
streamers in the waist bands of their pants or back pockets. On the signal,
students will move out into play and try to pull the other two teams�
streamers off. If a student's flag gets pulled, they go to their home base,
put their flag back on, and wait for a new game to start.
Fun Attic
http://www.funattic.com/game_misc.htm#anchor2
http://www.funattic.com/game_relay.htm#anchor10
http://www.funattic.com/game_circle.htm#anchor11
Physical Education Lesson Plan Page
http://pazz.tripod.com/burg.html
4th of July Fourth of July Routine
This is a series of activities that help us celebrate the birthday of
America. The games are divided in three sections. Warm up activities are
great to start the game session, and medium and active games are great for
the middle sections and closing games are wonderful for a great cool down.
Warm up Activities
Let the Parade Begin
Materials:
Patriotic Music
Colorful Balls with streamers attached
Chute
Have the children hold the parachute with both hands. Play patriotic music
and have everyone march in place to the beat of the music. Wave the chute
as the children march. Stop the music and let the parade begin. Have the
children toss the balls onto the chute. Make sure everyone turns in the
same direction as they hold the chute with one hand. Begin the music, and
march in a circle, waving the parachute as they do. Have fun watching the
streamers fly into the air like gently moving flags. Stop the music again
and turn around. Start the music and march in the other direction.
Try these songs as you are celebrating the 4th of July.
Designs in the Sky
(Are you Sleeping Brother John)
Fourth of July, Fourth of July,
It is fun, it is fun.
A picnic in the park,
And then after dark,
Designs in the sky, Fourth of July.
On the Fourth of July...
(London Bridge)
It is our country's birthday,
Birthday, birthday.
It is our country's birthday,
On the Fourth of July!
On Independence Day...
(Mary Had a Little Lamb)
Fireworks go snap, snap, snap!
Crack, crack, crack!
Zap, zap, zap!
Fireworks make me clap, clap, clap
On Independence Day!
Way up in the Sky...
(Row, Row, Row Your Boat)
Wave, wave, wave the flag,
Hold it very high.
Watch the colors gently wave,
Way up in the sky.
March, march, march around,
and hold the flag up high.
Wave, wave, wave the flag,
Way up in the sky.
Parachute Fireworks
Materials:
Comic Newspaper Sheets
Have the children sit around the parachute. Give each child several sheets
of paper. Have the children crumple up the paper into small tight balls and
toss them onto the chute. After the fireworks have been made, have the
children hold the edge of the chute and stand up. Everyone counts, one,
two, three, fireworks! As they shout fireworks, everyone quickly waves the
chute high into the air and lower it, launching the fireworks into the sky.
Catch the fireworks as they come down. Collect those newspaper balls that
fly off the chute, count and launch them repeatedly. Continue the game
until interest is lost.
Medium Activity Games
Throwing Against the Potomac
Materials:
Traffic cones
Balls
Frisbees
Tape measure
Tape or long rope
One piece of paper
One pencil for every three students
Divide the groups of children into teams of three people. Give each
student a name that reminds her of a president or object from the Fourth of
July. Student one will be the thrower, Student two will be measurer,
and Student three will record the score. Each group chooses the object that
they want to throw. The thrower in each group stands behind the throwing
line. The throwers should spread out. Each group stands behind the
throwing line. The measurer stands out in the field. The recorder writes
the score down on the paper. The distance is measured from the starting
line to the spot thrown. Then Student two becomes the thrower, Student
three becomes the measurer, and Student one becomes the recorder. The
procedure repeats until all three students have performed each job. Then
the group chooses a different object to throw and the entire throwing
measuring, and recording sequence repeats itself. Make sure the recorders
write down the throwers name, the object being thrown, and the distances.
Uncle Sam Tag
Materials:
Four cone markers
One necklace
Set of colored flags ( You can also use colorful scarves)
Set out four cone markers. Two will be the starting line and the other two
will be the ending lines. Choose one player to be an �Uncle Sam,� who stands
in the center of the play area wearing the necklace. All other players tuck
a flag in their waistband or pocket so that three-fourths of it is showing
and stand behind one of the starting lines. Start line players, start the
game by chanting: �Uncle Sam, Uncle Sam, May we cross your ocean? Uncle
Sam answers, yes if you are wearing ( names a color) red. Players wearing
red get a free pass to the other end. Then on the go signal from Uncle Sam,
the rest of the players try to run to the opposite end line without getting
their flag pulled. Tagged players become Uncle Sam�s helpers. Begin the
game again and this time, Uncle it calls out another color. Keep going
until all players are caught but one. This player becomes the new Uncle Sam
for the next game.
Paul Revere�s Ride
Materials: Four cones to mark off playing area.
Mark off a playing area with two cones representing one line (Colonists) of
the playing area and the other two cones showing the other end (British) of
the playing area. in addition, divide players into two teams, the British
and the Colonists. The British stand in the middle of the playing field and
the Colonists on the other side of the playing area. When the game begins,
the Colonists will attempt to cross the playing field to reach safety just
past the British starting line. Meantime, the British try to tag them.
Tagged players are out of the game and should exit the playing field. When
five people are out of the game they all may return to the opposing team.
A group leader holds up either one or two fingers to tell whether the
British will attack by land or by sea. If the British are to attack by
land, they must run as if they are racing a horse. If they are to attack by
sea, they act as if they are steering a ship. Anyone who does not act like
a ship or horse is out of the game. When all Colonists are out of either
the game or safe beyond the British line, the turn ends. Teams reverse
roles (the British become the Colonists and vice versa), and a new round
begins.
Patriotic Water Toss
Materials: Balloons
Fill up some red, white, and blue water balloons. Have player line up into
two equal lines, spacing the lines approximately four to six feet apart.
Once the lines are formed and the players are spread out, the players
standing straight across from one another become partners in the water
balloon toss. Hand out one water balloon to each of the players on one side
and let the tossing begin! Each time the balloon is successfully tossed,
have the students back up one-step.
Forefather�s Fitness
Materials:
Red Hippy Hop
Blue Stilts
White Ball
(Other objects that are patriotic in color)
Players divide into two teams. They each take a turn taking the hippy hop
back from the start one end and then to the start. After each member of
the team has used the hippy hop, then have the players do the same thing
with stilts, and then last rolling the ball. When all team members have
used all three objects, they have finished the game. The team that finishes
first are the winners.
Active games
Red, White, and Blue Tag
Materials:
Red, blue, and white chips
One person is chosen to be the tagger. Everyone else holds three colored
chips in their closed fists. The tagger chases the others and tries to tag
them. When tagged, they have to give the person one of their chips. When
the tagger to has collected one red, one white, and one blue chip he
yells �Happy Fourth of July!� A new player is chosen to be the tagger for
the next round.
Statue of Liberty Run
Students run from one area to another with a pool noodle (torch) and book
from one place to another. The team that finishes first wins.
Cool Down Activities
What are red, white, and blue?
Children sit in a circle. Kids must think of things that are red, white,
and blue. The first child starts by thinking of something that is red then
the next child thinks of something that is white and the next child thinks
of something that is blue. Play then continues with each member in the
circle thinking of something that is red, white, and blue. There are only
five seconds to think of a word or object. If you cannot think of something
in five seconds, you are out of the game. The game goes on until there is
only one child left.
Fourth of July Beach ball Game
Materials:
Beach ball
Blow up a beach ball and ask a question about one of the presidents or
Fourth of July history. Throw the beach ball to a child in the classroom
and the person who catches it must answer that question. In
conclusion ,when you have digested too many calories and need to burn them
off from your July barbeque try the Fourth of July Games!
Fourth of July References
Beach ball Games
http://www.kinderart.com/across/beachball.shtml
Child Fun
http://www.childfun.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=14
Fourth of July Trivia Questions
http://games.funschool.com/game.php?g=1099
Landry, Joanne M. and Landry, Maxwell J. Ready-to-Use P.E. Activities for
Grades1-2. n.l.: Parker Publishing, 1992.
Paul Revere�s Ride
http://www.theholidayzone.com/fourth/julygames.html
Pinatas.com
http://www.pinatas.com/Fourth_Party_Games_s/134.htm
Theme Runs
http://www.pecentral.org/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=5765
Trivia Questions about the Presidents
http://www.leaderu.com/touching/TriviaQuestions.html
Wilmes, Liz, and Dick. Parachute Play. Elgin, IL: Building Blocks, 2000.
Wnek, Barbara. Holiday Games and Ac
Larry Boy Larry Boy Beans and Chutes
This is a second in my series showcasing the computer animated series of
Veggie Tales. This is a series of games that utilize beanbags and parachutes
that teach cooperation, coordination and fun. It can be played with kid�s
two to twelve. So if you are looking for cooperative games to play with
your children try Larry Boy games.
Materials: Beanbags balloon and parachutes
Laura 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.
Bob and Larry 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!
Archibald 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.
Larry Boy Balancing Acts
Give each child a beanbag and have them copy the movements playing the game
Larry Boy says. Start with easy movements and make them gradually more
difficult. Balance the beanbag on your head, then shoulder, raised knee,
elbow, ankle. Etc. After they children have played a round with the teacher
let them direct the game with assistance with the teacher.
Hot Pizza
Have the children standing in a circle, spaced about arms length�s apart.
Explain that the beanbag is a hot pizza. When the child gets it, he should
toss the beanbag to the person that is next to him. When the music stops
the person with the beanbag has to take the beanbag and be a delivery person
and give the beanbag pizza to another person in the circle.
Don�t break the Veggie
Have children find partner and take a beanbag or a soft veggie tale toy and
face each other about three feet apart. Have each child toss and throw the
beanbag/veggie to each other. Progressively step back as you toss them back
and forth to make it more difficult. The group that successfully goes the
farthest is the winner.
Catch the Veggie
Have the children kneel and hold the chute a few feet off the ground. Name
a few of the children and have them lie on their stomachs and crawl under
the chute. Name one more child. He is it. He lies on his stomach at the
edge of the chute. When you say go the child who is it begins chasing all
the others. When a child is tagged he becomes it also. Now the two
children chase the others. Play until everyone has been tagged. Play again
with other children.
Junior Ripples and Waves
Use an overhead grip. Shake the parachute gently making only ripples.
Gradually let your ripples get bigger until the parachute makes little
waves. Now, let those waves get bigger and bigger. Shake the parachute
until the group instructor tells you to freeze. The Ripples and Waves
activity teaches self-control and how to follow directions. Students use
their full upper body for this workout.
Mr. Lunt Merry Go Round
Hold the parachute edge overhead and choose a leader to perform different
movements like skipping, hopping, running, etc. All children perform the
chosen movement together while holding the parachute edge and circling
clockwise and then counterclockwise as instructed. The Merry Go Round
activity teaches problem-solving and following directions while using the
shoulders and upper arm extensors and flexors.
Stretch Madame Blueberry
Hold the edge of the parachute overhead. On the signal, stretch and gently
pull the parachute tight for five seconds. Relax; let the parachute go limp
and then stretch it again. Stretch Madame Blueberry teaches strength,
agility, and coordination using the serratus anterior, hand flexors and
extensors.
Veggie Dome
Start with one knee on the ground and hold the parachute�s edge overhead.
On the signal, all players stand up quickly. Raise the parachute above all
heads and return to the starting position on the ground. This traps air
under the chute and creates a dome. The Veggie Dome activity teaches
cooperation, working together, and following directions while employing the
front and back deltoids.
Veggie Go Round
Hold the parachute edge overhead and choose a leader to perform different
movements like skipping, hopping, running, etc. All children perform the
chosen movement together while holding the parachute edge and circling
clockwise and then counterclockwise as instructed. The Veggie Go Round
activity teaches problem-solving and following directions while using the
shoulders and upper arm extensors and flexors.
Larry Boy Float
Hold the parachute edge overhead. Put balloons in the middle and gently
wave the chute. Ask students what happens to the balloons when they are
shaken off the chute. Pull the parachute taut and, as you shake the
balloons; ask what will happen as you shake them higher and higher. The
Balloon Float is a great activity to do as an extension of Mr. Chute. It
works the biceps, triceps, and the lattisimus dorsi.
Veggie Copy Cat
Hold the parachute�s edge with an overhand grip. Have the children stand
around the bunched up chute and grip it, thumbs-down. Have them think of an
exercise that the group can do while holding onto the chute. Quickly go
around the chute and have each child whisper his exercise to you. Walk the
chute out and have the children hold the chute above their heads. One child
ducks under the chute to demonstrate his exercise�such as jumping up and
down four times�and then runs back out. Lower the chute to waist high once
again while everyone imitates the activity. Raise the chute for another
child to demonstrate an exercise. Continue with several more children. The
Copy Cat activity teaches children to use creativity, take turns, and follow
directions. Both the upper and lower body muscles can be used in this
activity- depending on the exercises the children select.
Veggie New Places
Lower the chute to the ground and ask the children to stand in a larger
circle around the chute and hold hands. Move in a circle, doing several
large body movements such as sliding, galloping, taking giant steps, etc.
At the last movement, bring the children close to the parachute so they can
pull it out. You could ask them to tiptoe toward the chute, hold it with
thumbs up and walk backwards until it is stretched out. Call a child�s name
and a movement, such as twirl. Have the other children raise the chute
above their heads. The named child releases the chute and quickly twirls to
a new place on the chute. After he has grabbed the chute in his new place,
everyone lowers the chute. Call on another child and continue playing. New
Places teaches spatial awareness while working all the back muscles and the
wrist extensors and flexors.
Angry Birds Ideas Angry Birds Unit
Angry Birds is a popular game right now––from children to adults. Here are some ideas you can use in your classroom, youth group, or children’s program for fun teaching academic concepts with Angry Birds.
Language Arts:
Decided which bird was our favorite and wrote a paragraph on it. Write a report describing the strengths and weaknesses of each bird. To further the lesson, describe the various pigs.
Explained how the game worked by watching a Youtube clip.
Learn and review sight words with flashcards printed on birds, read a quiz on Quizlet, and take a quiz on the levels, pigs, and birds.
Math:
Skip Counting: We practiced skip counting with putting numbers on each of the boxes, like 2s, 5s, and 10s, using the same color stickers. For skip-counting money, add a cent sign to each box and then have the kids put the amount inside each box.
Multiplication: We put eggs inside the boxes and thought of all the ways we could make multiplication programs with groups of numbers.
Measuring: We measured each of the boxes. We measured how far the ball went each time. You could also chart your results.
Area and Perimeter: You could measure the area and perimeter of the boxes.
Money: You could put various monies inside of the boxes and allow the students to learn how to count it. Pigs and birds could have various prices.
Problem Solving: Students could guess how far a pig would go with a low throw or high throw. Chart the results.
Sequencing: Students could sequence the boxes by color and size. They also could sequence pictures of pigs and birds.
Addition with carrying and subtraction with regrouping:
Put a math problem in the boxes and have them solve it with a dry erase board. The group that finishes first wins.
Mean, Median, Mode, and Range
Using eggs or pictures of the birds, decide which one is the item that is the middle amount, the average color, the color that occurs most often, and the range of the various colors.
Physical Education:
Angry Birds Game:
Spray paint or cover boxes with wrapping paper and make an angry bird and pigs, using rubber balls, permanent markers, and acrylic paints from the Dollar Store. Have the kids knock them down and set them up in various ways.
Over/Under Relay
Using a red beanbag and green beanbag, have equal number of children on teams and see which team gets their beanbag over and under first. The team that finishes first wins.
Angry Bird Cup Game
Set up cups with pig faces on them and see how many rolls that they must do to get all the pigs knocked over.
Angry Birds Tag
Have an angry bird chase the rest of the class. Then reverse roles, divide the class, and have them be half pigs and the other half birds. Take turns to see who tags whom first. Have them wear green necklaces if they are the pigs. Emphasize that at no time are they to tease each other by calling each other pigs.
Angry Bird Buckets
Like the Bozo buckets, have the students put the angry bird inside each bucket.
Angry Birds Bowling
Use water bottles and put pigs on them. See how many rolls it takes to get all the pigs down using the angry bird or a red ball.
Angry Birds Ring Toss
Using a red ring toss, see how many points that the person can get in three tries. The person with the most points wins.
Angry Bird Egg Toss
Take a beanbag––or red, yellow, or green plastic egg––and see how many throws you can make; and then step back like an egg-toss game. The group that goes the farthest wins.
Angry Bird Hula Hut
Place a green ball in the middle of a hut made of hula hoops and see how many tosses it takes to get down the pig.
Angry Bird Stations
Using various PE equipment, see how you can hide a green ball or beanbag; and the object is to knock it off a cone, put it in a box, or move it from its hiding place.
Reference and More Resources:
Angry Birds at Church
http://kidmin360.com/2011/09/24/angry-birds-kids-church/#comment-8816
Angry Birds for Middle School Students
http://vimeo.com/27136582
http://childrensministryonline.com/fresh-ideas/angry-birds-live/
Angry Birds Printables
http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/Angry_Birds_Kindergarten_Printables.pdf
Angry Birds Ideas
http://www.peuniverse.com/Discussions/tabid/67/indexId/5802/Default.aspx?tag=Discussions+General#vindex5808
Angry Birds Physical Education
http://www.ictsteps.com/2011/06/angry-birds-in-the-classroom/
PE Central Angry Birds
http://www.pecentral.org/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=11758
Printables
https://sites.google.com/a/freedomchurch.tv/angry-lessons-from-the-bible/pre-activity-stations
Test on Angry Birds
http://quizlet.com/8945514/angry-birds-flash-cards/
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