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Group Circle Games for Little Kids

Young children learn by playing. Engaging in group circle activities is fun for young kids and also a way for them to practice emerging social skills. Keep the children's age group in mind when selecting games. You'll want to choose games that will keep them interested and participatory. Keep any rules for games very simple for maximum enjoyment.

Bug in the Rug
- Bug in a rug is a fun memory and observation game.
  
  Bug in the rug is a memory game best played with a large group of children. Lay a large blanket or sheet on the floor, and have children sit around it in a circle. Instruct one child to get up and hide her eyes. Then, choose another child to crawl into the center of the blanket and hide. When the child hides, the first child then turns around. The group should recite the following verse: "Bug in the rug, bug in the rug, who's that bug in the rug?" The child will look around the group and have to determine who is missing. Once she guesses, reveal the hidden "bug." Let all of the children take a turn being the "bug" and the seeker. This a great game to build observation and memory skills in young children.
Shoe Shuffle
- Shoe shuffle can be played by a younger or older crowd.
  
  Shoe shuffle can be played by young children, and with the addition of blindfolds, it can be enjoyed by a more advanced crowd. Have children sit in a circle and remove their shoes. They should all throw their shoes into a pile in the center. Have someone shuffle the shoes around and mix them up. Count to three, and have children race to the center, find their matching shoes and put them on. The one who is in his seat with his shoes securely on his feet first is the winner. If your crowd is old enough or advanced enough, you can blindfold the children for a bigger challenge. They will then have to find their shoes by feel alone.
Duck, Duck, Goose
- Duck, Duck, Goose is a classic game for kids of all ages
  
  There is a reason this game has withstood the test of time---kids love it. This is a great circle game that can be played by young children. Have children sit in a circle. Choose one child to be "it." This child will then walk around the circle tapping the heads of the other participants and saying "duck" or "goose" for each one. When the child who is "it" calls someone a "goose," she must get up and chase the child who is "it" around the circle and try to tag her. The "it" child is safe if he can make it to the "goose's" spot and sits down before getting tagged. If he gets tagged, however, he must sit in the center of the circle until another player gets tagged and takes his place. The "goose" then becomes "it" and goes on to choose another "goose."

Kids Games