Games to Play with your Kids

Things to Consider in Selecting Games

The selecting of material for a game program must take into considerations:

1.   The child for whom the game is intended.  The children must want to play the game.  It must be suited to their age, interestsm characteristics, types (sick, restless, active, etc.) and previous training.

2.   The charactor of the activity.  The qualities of the activity are important.  Choose games which are active and whic keep each child active for his share of the time--"play for all".  Get variety in the choice of games but allow for the repetition of old games.

Start out each program with a happy type of game in order to get the interest of your group immediatly.

Choose quiet games to use for rest periods after more vigorous games.

Don't choose too many different game formations in one program.  Two or three different formations are not confusing but more than that mean that too much time is spent getting the group into their places for play.

Make it possible for the child to develop the fundamentals of body activities through his games and activities.  Teach striking, throwing, maintaining balance, dodging, etc.

3.   The space and equipement available.  Games must be chosen in relation to available space and equipment.  Choosing the out-of-doors excepting in bad weather.  When the ground is not usable, the sidewalks can often be used for relay and line games.

Schoolroom games must be chosen carefully due to the limited space.  Games where only a few are active at a time or the games played with all standing in their own places may be used.

Limit the type of equipment used in one lesson.  Avoid the necessity of getting too much equipment for one game program.

Choose games which use no equipment to use in the same program with those which use equipment.

Substitutes can often be used where equipment is limited--bean bags instead of balls, etc.

4.   The time or season of the year.  Choice of games must be seasonal.  Correlate the game activities with the time of year, current interests, and other school activities.

• Playground, Gym Games
  List of some games for young school age children to play on the playground or in the gym.
  
  
• School Room Games
  Games to play indoors on rainy or cold days for elementary children during schoolhours or during homeschooling activity time.