Games to Do at School

Snake in the Gutter

• This game requires at least six kids and ideally many more. Mark off a line and make three children "snakes." The snakes will stay on one side of the line---which they are not allowed to cross---and space themselves evenly across its length. All the other children will be on the opposite side of the line. Yell "Snake in the gutter" to signify the start of the game. The goal of the game is for non-snake kids to get across the line to the snake side without being tagged by the snakes during crossing. Any kids that are tagged automatically become snakes and the game begins again.

Throwing Game

• This active throwing game requires soft foam balls and blindfolds. It helps children not only be active but to work in teams. Have several children partner up into groups of two, giving each group a blindfold and a soft foam ball. Each team will blindfold one partner. The other partner will lead the person by the arm, instructing their partner where to throw the balls at other teams. The non-blindfolded partner will also lead and instruct the other partner verbally as to where to move, when to duck, as well as telling them where to pick up foam balls on the ground. If a team gets hit twice, they are out.

Scavenger Hunt

• Most children are familiar with a scavenger hunt. Schools can be an excellent place for a scavenger hunt, which can be especially enjoyable with a holiday theme, such as Easter or Christmas. Hide several objects around a designated area, whether it be the classroom or a larger outside area. Give the children a list of clues to help them locate the objects. You can assign kids to work in teams if desired.

Online Games

• With the advent of the computer in the classroom, no longer do games have to be active, now many games---focused on learning---are available via the Internet. Free online games, such as those at "Sheppard Software," feature interactive games that teach colors, animals, numbers and shapes, using visual and verbal communication. The games are ideally suited to young children in preschool and kindergarten.