Hobbies And Interests
Sidewalk Game Board
Make up questions that fit the age group's learning level. Spelling, math and simple science will work for most ages. Form smaller groups of students, grouping kids by grade if possible. Have each group choose a sidewalk or hard surface playground area. Give the kids some sidewalk chalk.
Ask questions to one group at a time. If the answer is correct, that group gets to draw a square on the sidewalk. The groups will each form a path like that of a game board, adding a square for each correct answer.
After the questions have been answered, start over. This time, a correct answer puts one member of the team on the game board. Then another and another are added, moving forward until the group members have all moved throughout their entire game board and then off the winning end.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Prepare a list of nature clues and make several copies. The clues should give kids a hint of which nature items to find. For example:
"My colors turn in the fall."
"A bird family lives in me."
"I started out as a rock before I was ground into my present state."
"I was once part of a big tree, then I got broken off."
"I fell off of a bird."
Form small groups of kids and give each group a copy of the clue list and a large paper bag. The groups will figure out the clues and put a sample of each in their bag.
Younger children can play this game by using pictures instead of words. They will match the items rather than trying to decipher clues.
Design, Build and Test
Form small groups of kids, mixing age groups if you have several ages. Provide paper and other craft materials for kids to design and construct one of the following: something that floats in water, something that moves in the wind, something that can be powered only by children blowing on it and something that withstands high winds. Provide a tub of water if using a floating activity.
Have the kids work together to turn the craft items into an object that does the activity you have chosen as your focus. After the items are created, all the kids can gather to watch each group's item being tested. Determine a winner or give a prize to everyone for working hard.
Map Reading
Form small groups of kids. Give each group a large piece of paper and some markers or crayons. Have each group create a secret treasure map, drawing landmarks that are in the play area and marking how many steps it takes to get to a certain turning spot and so on. Then exchange the maps and see how well the groups can follow each others' map.