Hobbies And Interests
Hot Potato
"Hot Potato" is a classic children's game that involves hand-eye coordination. To play, have a group of children sit or stand in a circle. Assign one child to be the "caller" and have him or her close his or her eyes and say "start" to initiate the game. Have the children pass around a soft beanbag (the "potato") as quickly as possible. When the "caller" yells "stop," the child caught holding the beanbag leaves the circle. Continue until there is only one child left, who switches places with the caller. Have the other players return to the circle and repeat.
Musical Chairs
"Musical Chairs" incorporates music and exercise. Prior to playing, set up two rows of chairs back-to-back and have a music player handy. Begin with one chair less than the number of players. Instruct the children to walk carefully around the row of chairs while the music is playing, and when the music stops, sit in a chair (supervise play and make sure no arguments break out over a chair). The child left standing is out until the next game and a chair is removed. Repeat this until only one child remains in the game.
Children's Bingo
"Bingo" can be used to help children identify shapes, letters or other symbols. You will need Bingo cards (or alternatively you can print your own) and something to mark each space with such as pennies (supervise young children when they handle small objects). Give each child a Bingo card and randomly call out an image or letter. Continue until a child calls out "Bingo."
Duck, Duck, Goose
"Duck, Duck, Goose" is a children's game often learned during preschool years. Children sit in a circle, facing each other and one child is selected to walk around the outside, gently taping his or her peers on the head. With each tap, the child says "duck" until saying, "goose." When selected, the goose chases him or her around the circle. If the goose cannot tap the player before he returns to his spot, he or she becomes "it" and the game repeats.