Hobbies And Interests
Word Play
This game is played like bingo, but instead of numbers it involves words. Make a card for each player by drawing nine squares on paper or cardboard. Write one word in each square and make sure some words are on more than one card. On a separate piece of paper, write the definitions for each word you use on the cards. For example, “the opposite of slow” for the word "fast." Use buttons or coins as markers. Choose one person to be the caller—this person selects the definitions at random and reads them aloud. The other players look for the correct word on their card and place a marker on it if they have it. The first player to get three in a row is the winner. Come up with a fun word, or a new one they don&'t know, to call out when a kid gets a "bingo."
Eye-Witness You
This is a fun memory game. Gather all the kids in one room and divide them into two teams, team A and team B. Have team A leave the room while team B switches various items of clothing and accessories with each other. Tell team A to return to the room and give them five minutes to try to guess all of the switches that were made. Allow team B to then have a turn at doing the switching. The team that gets the most correct answers in five minutes wins.
Wolf and Sheep Tag
This is a fun variation of the game of tag and is best played with four kids. Choose one kid to be the wolf, one to be the sheep and two kids to be the sheepdogs. The sheepdogs and sheep join hands to form a three-person triangle. The wolf must try to tag the sheep while standing outside the group, and avoid the sheepdogs that are spinning around, trying to keep the wolf at bay. The sheepdogs cannot break their circle of hands while trying to keep the wolf away from the sheep. When the wolf tags the sheep, the kids switch roles and the game starts over.
Crab Soccer
This version of soccer will build those developing muscles and burn energy. You will need newspaper, trash bags, a twist-tie and tape (preferably packing tape). To make the crab soccer ball, double-bag the trash bags and ball up the newspaper. Stuff the newspaper in the trash bags and use the twist-tie to close it, then tape the whole bag crosswise. Set up goal areas; you can mark these areas with anything you have handy like a hat, jacket, etc. Divide the kids into two teams. The object of the game is to score a goal, just like in soccer, but the kids cannot run and kick the ball, they must scuttle, like a crab with back toward the ground, propped up on arms and feet. The team to score the most goals wins.
Como Say What
Test kids foreign language learning skills with this game. Choose a word in another language and post it on a dry erase board or chalkboard. Have each kid write down the meaning, or English equivalent, of the word on a piece of paper and put it in an envelope. Once everyone writes down the meaning, read each one. The players who have the correct definition each get a point. The person with the most points wins.