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Game Ideas for First Grade Kids

First graders are developing at an enormous pace. They are learning coordination,how to take turns, follow rules and create new friendships. Games help them to practice their new skills. First graders often enjoy easy games that keep them active. There are a number of games that meet these criteria.

ExerDice
- ExerDice is played with two dice created from styrofoam cubes or small boxes. On one die, label each side with the name of a different style of exercise, such as run, jump, skip or hop. On the second die, label each side with a number, 1-6. Then let the children take turns rolling both dice. They perform exercises rolled on the first die, and perform them as many times as the second die says. For example, if a child rolls RUN on one die and THREE on the second die, he would run around a designated area three times. There is no time limit and the object of this game is not to win but to learn to follow directions, while staying fit.
Red Rover
- The classic game Red Rover is still popular among children of all ages, including first graders. It is played by dividing children into two teams who are placed about 20 to 30 feet apart facing each other. Have each team line up side by side and hold hands. One team starts by yelling "Red Rover, Red Rover, send (child's name) on over". The child whose name was called runs as fast as possible towards the other team trying to break through their line. If successful, that child will choose a member from the other team to return to his team to join their line. If unsuccessful, the child will join the opposing team's line and play continues with the other team chanting the Red Rover poem. The game continues for a set period of time, or until one team has collected all by one of the opposing team members.
Steal The Bacon
- Steal The Bacon uses a parachute and an object such as a bean bag or small ball. Place the ball under the parachute in the center. Have the children circle around the parachute. Give each child a number and designate one child to be the "caller". The children will grasp the parachute and raise it up, while the caller calls a number. The child with the number called quickly runs under the parachute and grabs the object and races to get back to their spot before the parachute comes down. If they are unsuccessful, they become the "caller" and the game continues. If they are successful, the original "caller" will continue to call numbers until someone is caught in the parachute.

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