When was the last time that people laughed when you picked up your child from preschool? You might remember this game from your childhood as they raced around with their friends. Furthermore, they were enjoying themselves greatly and learning a great deal.
Believe it or not, old-school baby games provide benefits beyond amusement. They facilitate learning by helping kids meet friends, release energy, and develop lifelong skills.
Duck, Duck, Goose
This game is well-liked by parents because it is entertaining for children and instructs them in strategic thinking. A youngster goes around the perimeter of the circle, tapping on each participant’s head and calling out “duck” as they go.
A child is selected to play the role of the “goose,” while the other children race around the circle in an attempt to change their position before the “goose” catches them. If the “goose” avoids getting tagged and reaches the end of the circle, they return to their seat and the game starts over with the first person to walk around the circle.
As they play this game again and again, kids become experts at finding a “goose” (a non-paying child) who will guide them back to their locations without getting tagged. A fun game for kids to play at day camps is Duck, Duck, and Goose and many more.
Musical Chairs
With practice, children can play this game and learn to be patient, cope with sadness, and peacefully resolve conflicts. Arrange the children’s seating in a circle with one fewer chair than the total number of opponents. The next step is to have the children circle the playing area to music.
No matter how many times the music stops, the children must attempt to sit down on a chair. No child is permitted to play until they are given a chair. Find a seat and begin over.
Simon Says
Simon Says helps kids learn to follow directions and lead. One kid in Simon Says says, “Simon says tap your head” or “Simon Says jump like monkeys.” If the leader says “Simon says,” the other students will follow suit.
Unfocused kids rapidly learn that they’ll be the lone ones doing the foolish activity if they don’t listen. That encourages students to read all the directions before starting.
Row Your Boat
Increased self-awareness is an important skill for children to develop as they study. Early self-awareness in children might manifest as a growing sense of body specificity. Learning self-control is an important life skill that prepares children for many endeavors.
Two children can stand side by side, legs bent, and hands clasped for a quick game. Perform a back-and-forth rocking motion to the beat of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” They must coordinate their efforts and continuously monitor their actions.
Playing music from a CD or YouTube is ideal for this game since it allows you to add a “freeze” aspect by abruptly halting the audio. When children do this, it helps them focus on sounds and move their bodies in sync with them.
