Hobbies And Interests
Dodge Ball
This classic game is recommended for third graders and above. The goal of the game is to force the players on the opposite team out of the game. Begin by dividing the children into two teams. Have the opposing teams face each other on opposite sides of the gym. Teams are not allowed to cross the middle line to the opponent's side. If any player crosses the line or is hit by the ball, the player is "out" and must sit on the side for the remainder of the game. If a player tries to catch the ball and fails, that player is out. If a player throws the ball at another player's head, the player who threw the ball is automatically "out." The team that eliminates all of the other team's players wins the game.
Steal the Bacon
The object of this game is to steal a predetermined object, known as "the bacon." The bacon can be any object that can be grabbed such as a ball or shoe. Begin by dividing the children into two equal teams. Arrange the teams into two lines facing each other. Place the object in the middle of the two teams, making sure there is enough space for each team to run toward the object. Assign the players on each team a number. Each team should have an equal amount of players, so there should be one of each number on each team. For example, each team should have a number 1, 2, 3, 4 and so on. The goal is to be the first person to grab the object when your number is called and bring it back to your team without being tagged by the player on the other team. If you successfully make it back to your team with the object, your team gets a point. If the other player tags you, then no one gets the point. Start the game by calling a number randomly. The players whose numbers correspond must run to the middle in an attempt to try to steal the bacon. The first team to reach 15 points wins.
Balloon Stomp
The object of Balloon Stomp is to pop all the opposing team's balloons. In order to play, you will need an area with ample space for the players to run around, at least 40 balloons, equally divided into three different colors, a roll of yarn and trash bag to clean up the balloons when the game is finished. Begin the game by dividing the players into three equal teams. Distribute the balloons, one color per team. Each player needs two balloons, one for each leg. Have each player blow up their balloons, tie a knot on the balloon's end and tie a balloon to each of their ankles or shoes using the yarn. When you say "go", the players must stomp and try to pop the other teams' balloons. The players are not allowed to use their hands and must stay within the confines of the predetermined play area. If a player has both of their balloons popped, the player must sit out the rest of the game. The team that has at least one balloon left intact wins the game.
Chair Basketball
The object of Chair Basketball is to shoot the balls into the basket while sitting in chairs. To play the game you will need four balls--the balls can be basketballs or softer playground balls--four baskets and masking tape. Use masking tape on the floor to divide the room into two equal sides. Split the players into two equal teams. Arrange the chairs into three equally spaced rows and place a basket on the corners of each side. Assign one player from each team to be the "runner." The runners are allowed to get up from their chairs to pass the ball to their teammates. They cannot pass the ball to the opposing team. Runners also cannot shoot the ball.
When you say "go," the players on each team attempt to throw the ball into the basket. Baskets made from the third row are worth three points. Baskets made from the second row are worth two points. Baskets made from the first row are worth one point. The team that earns the most points at the end of the designated time wins the game.