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Home Games for Children Between Ages 4-5

In a world often dominated by digital media, many children rely on television or expensive video games to pass their time. Although these might be entertaining, these children are missing out on vital social skills and interaction that can be crucial to healthy development. Instead of having young children watch TV or play video games, you can try out some of these simple and kid-friendly games to provide hours of entertainment while encouraging healthy interaction with their peers.

Musical Chairs
- In the middle of a large room, set out in a circle as many stools or chairs as there are children who will be playing--minus one. Set up a radio or CD player in the room. Explain that the object of the game is to go around the chairs while the music plays, and to quickly find a chair to sit in once the music stops. The child who is left standing after the music stops is "out." Have an adult sit by the radio to turn it on and off while the children play the game, and be sure to remove a chair from the circle after each round. Continue the game until only one child is left, and award the winner a piece of candy or a small toy.
Hot Potato
- Begin by having the children sit on the floor in a circle, and place a radio or CD player in the room. Explain to the children that the music will play and they should pass the potato to each other, and when the music stops the child left holding the potato is out and has to leave the circle. Have an adult sit by a radio and turn it on and off during the game, which continues until only one child is left. Reward the winner with a small prize if desired.
Red Light/Green Light
- Have the children line up from left to right in a yard or a large open room. Explain that "green light" means to walk or run to the finish line, and "red light" means to stop where they are. Have an adult stand at the other end of the yard or room and call out "red light" and "green light." Any child who moves when the caller signals "red light" is out and must sit out for the remainder of the game. The first child who makes it to the finish line by correctly following the commands given by the adult is the winner.
Simon Says
- Have the children line up either in the yard of a large room, with an adult standing in front of them. Explain that if the adult says "Simon Says Touch Your Nose" they should do it, but if she says "Touch Your Nose," the children should not do it because she didn't say "Simon Says." Any child that obeys a command without the adult first saying "Simon Says" is out. Continue to play the game until only one child remains. If you wish, the winner can be given a small toy or a piece of candy.

Kids Games