Hobbies And Interests
Red Light/Green Light
"Red Light/Green Light "is a classic game that requires no additional equipment and can be played inside or outside. One person is "it" and stands at one end of a room or playing field, while all the other children stand at a distance from "it." When the "it" person says, "Green light," the kids can move forward as they please; however, when "it" says, "Red light," everyone must freeze and not move at all until they are told to. If a child moves when he is supposed to be still, he is out. The last person standing is the winner and gets to be the "it" person for the next round. If you are working in confined spaces, have the kids move around or dance to music. If you are working in a large space outdoors, have the kids line up on one side of the area and walk towards the "it" person.
Simon Says
"Simon Says" has a similar premise to "Red Light /Green Light." There is one "it" person, known as "Simon." Whichever child is Simon stands separated and facing the other children. Simon will tell the other children to do something, e.g., pat their heads or jump up and down. If the child who is Simon prefaces the request with "Simon says," the children have to do it; if the child does not say "Simon says" prior to the command, the children are not supposed to do anything. Children who perform an action that isn't prefaced by "Simon says" are disqualified from the game. The last child standing is then named the new Simon.
Balloon Smash
"Balloon Smash" is a game that can be a little messy to clean up but is sure to release some children's energy. Tie a long string and a balloon around the ankles of each of the children. The children then run around and try to stomp the balloons of their fellow players. The last person with an intact balloon is named the winner. Make sure if you are playing indoors to move the furniture so kids won't run into anything. If you are playing outside, make sure to set some boundaries so the children will stay within the site.
Name-It Ball
"Name-It Ball" is an enjoyable game for children that also stimulates their minds. Have the children form a circle and give one child a rubber ball. That child then selects any category she wishes, such as "farm animals." The child then bounces or rolls the ball across the circle to another player, who must catch the ball and say an item in the category, such as "pig." That child then rolls the ball to another player and the game continues on in the same manner. A child who can't name an item, repeats an item someone else has named or holds the ball for too long is out of the game. The winner then gets to choose the category for the next round.