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Active Games for Kids to Play

In a world of growing consciousness of healthy living, active games help children in many ways. A school day that is rich with active breaks helps children wake up, become refreshed for the next learning activity, have less distractions and generally just get the wiggles out. Teachers, as well as other leaders of children's groups can use active games to excite and energize children of all ages.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is important to healthy brain development. Through play, children learn cooperation and interaction with others through group games. Children also develop dexterity, coordination and strength through active play.

Paper Bag Relays
- Kids will do a variety of antics with paper bags in this relay group game. Divide the group into evenly numbered teams. Put a stack of paper bags on a table at the other end of play area.
  
  A child from each team will run to the table, grab one or two paper bags, and perform one of the following feats before hurrying back to his team. The next person in line will do the same feat, until the entire team has taken a turn.
  
  Then, the first person will perform a second feat, followed by teammates; then perform a third, or more, until the play time is over.
  
  Feats to accomplish:
  Put both feet into a paper bag and hop back to the team.
  Put one bag over each foot and skip.
  Put both feet into one bag and scoot back to the team.
  Two teammates will work together. Both will put a foot into the same bag, and hurry back to the team together.
  Put a bag (paper only) over her head and listen for teammates to direct her back to the team.
  
  The kids may think of some more fun feats to use in this active relay game.
Keep the Hoop Going
- Kids will work together in this group game to keep a large hoop toy rolling. Kids will gather into groups of three or four. Give each group a hoop.
  
  Kids in each group will roll the hoop on its side to another. That kid will roll the hoop to another. Keep the hoops going between the children, without letting it fall. See which group can keep its hoop going the longest.
Blaze a Trail
- Kids will use their feet and a roll of toilet paper to make a path. Chairs, desks, trees and other objects will make this active game more interesting.
  
  Each person will place a roll of toilet paper on the ground. Kids will move the toilet paper roll with their feet, making a path (blazing a trail). Paths may go around objects, over other kids' paths, and anywhere in the play area.
  
  The object of the game is to have fun unrolling the toilet paper and trying not to get all tangled in all the paths.
Toy Box Catch
- Kids will play catch with a variety of safe items. Fill a box with stuffed animals, sponges, rolled socks, stocking caps, wrapped rolls of paper towels or toilet paper, and other soft objects.
  
  Kids may each choose an object, then kids will form a circle. Let kids toss the objects TO, not AT, others in the circle. It will be hectic, noisy, but safe active play.

Kids Games