Why the old games still matter
Playground games ask children to agree rules, settle disputes and include newcomers without an adult in charge. They also build strength, balance and counting. Once learned, a game belongs to the children and can spread across a whole school.
Ask families which games they played as children. The answers often show the same game under different names, such as hopscotch, which is played in many countries with local variations.
Game 1: Hopscotch
Hopscotch builds balance, hopping strength and number recognition. It suits ages 5-10 and a round lasts 10-15 minutes.
Players: two to five per grid.
Materials: chalk to draw a grid of numbered squares from 1 to 10, with single and paired squares; one small stone or beanbag per player.
Rules: throw the stone into square 1. Hop over it through the grid, landing on one foot in single squares and two feet in paired ones. Turn at the end, hop back, pick up the stone on the way. If the stone misses its square or you step on a line, the turn passes. Next go, aim for square 2.
Easier: allow two-feet landings everywhere and use a shorter grid.
Harder: hop the whole grid on the non-preferred foot, or carry the stone on the back of the hand.
Game 2: Tug of War
Tug of war builds whole-body strength, grip and teamwork. It suits ages 7-10 and takes about 10 minutes, including the safety briefing.
Players: two teams of four to eight, matched roughly for size.
Materials: a thick, soft rope with no loops, a ribbon tied at the centre, and two chalk lines two metres apart on grass.
Rules: teams hold the rope with both hands, never wrapping it round a hand or body. On go, teams pull. The first to bring the ribbon over their own line wins the round. Best of three, swapping ends each round.
Easier: pull while sitting down, or play in pairs with a short rope.
Harder: add a signal on which all players must let go with one hand for three seconds.
Handing games over to children
After teaching a game twice, step back. Put chalk and ropes in a break-time box and let older pupils teach younger ones. Agree one simple fairness rule for disputes, such as replaying the turn.
Key points
Teach a game twice, then let children run it.
Ask families for their own childhood versions.
Never wrap a tug-of-war rope round hands or bodies.
Keep a break-time box with chalk, stones and ropes.
Ready-made resources
Printable session plans and materials for this topic are available from EduTrend Contents: G4C-140 Move & Play Games.
Photos: Ruslan Zaplatin, Arthur Tseng / Unsplash
Traditional and Playground Games
Traditional playground games have been passed from child to child for generations because they work: simple rules, almost no equipment and lots of movement. Teaching a few of them gives children games they can run by themselves at break time. Many cultures have their own versions, which makes them a good bridge in mixed classrooms.
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Traditional and Playground Games
