The games in this book help teachers, parents, and others who work with children maintain or restore order, refocus children&;s attention, and break up the classroom routine. Most of the games are quite short and can be used between academic activities as a treat or quick break. Many are noncompetitive, most don&;t require props, and none require special skills or training. All can be played with the whole class; there are partner games, small group games, and outdoor games. Clear, complete instructions are included for each activity, and icons denote appropriate age levels, time, and group size. Author Allison Bartl has tested all of the games herself and recommends that the teacher or parent fully participate in each game, both to relax and to provide a model of good social behavior. Tips and thoughtful quotations from Goethe, Rudolf Steiner, Seneca, Lao Tse, Mother Theresa, and others are also included.
101 Relaxation Games for Children
Finding a Little Peace and Quiet In BetweenBy Allison BartlHunter House Inc., Publishers
Copyright © 2003Cornelsen Verlag Scriptor GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin
All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-89793-493-0Contents
Introduction..........................................................1Why Relaxation Games?.................................................1Key to the Icons Used in the Games....................................2The Games.............................................................5Alphabetical List of Games............................................109Games with Special Requirements.......................................111Games in Which Physical Contact Might Be InvolvedGames Requiring a Large SpaceGames Suitable for Older ChildrenGames Requiring Going OutdoorsGames Requiring Musical Accompaniment
Chapter One
[1] My Partner's Hands How to Play: The children stand opposite each other in pairs; they put their palms together and close their eyes. They stand like this for a while and feel the warmth of each other's hands. When the leader gives the sign-by ringing a little bell, for example-each child turns around once and then tries to find the other's hands, all while still keeping their eyes closed.
[2] Multiplying Vampires
Props: Folded slips of paper with the word "vampire" written on only one
How to Play: At the beginning of this "scary" game, each child is handed a folded slip of paper. Only one of them says "vampire" on it, while the others are blank. After the children find out whether or not they are the vampire, they keep that information a secret and walk slowly and quietly around the room. When two people meet, they ask each other, "Vampire?" If both whisper "No," they continue on their way; if one whispers "Yes," the other becomes a vampire, too, and turns everyone he meets into a vampire as well. After five minutes the game ends, and the remaining nonvampires identify themselves.
[3] Back to Back
How to Play: One child stands in front of the room, turned sideways, with her eyes closed. The leader points to a second child, who then creeps forward on his tiptoes and leans against the "blind" one, back to back. The first child, using her back sensors but not her hands, tries to feel the body of the second and guess who it is. If the "blind" child cannot guess who it is, she can order the mystery person to quack, chirp, or bark. This should make the guessing easier. Now it's the next person's turn!
Silence is not just the absence of noise, but a quietness that allows people to open their eyes and ears for another world. SERGE POLIAKOFF, RUSSIAN ARTIST, 1906-1969
[4] Ghostly Voices
Props: A cassette, CD, or MP3 player; recorded music
Preparation: Hide the music player somewhere in the room.
How to Play: Before the children arrive, a tape, CD, or MP3 player playing very soft music is hidden somewhere in the room. At first, only a few children notice the music. Eventually, more and more people notice it. The room grows quieter and quieter, until finally everyone is listening closely to figure out where the sounds are coming from. If someone thinks they've found the hiding place, they may guess. There is a small prize for guessing correctly.
[5] Wilma the Wicked Witch
How to Play: Wilma (or Walter) the Wicked Witch (the adult leader) stands in front of the group and says, "I don't want to see any ears!" Immediately, all the children cover their ears with their hands. The witch looks closely at all the children, and anyone whose ears are showing is out and has to put their heads down on their desk until the game is over. Next, the leader says, "I don't want to see any hands," and immediately the children sit on their hands or hide them under their shirts. The next time, the witch may not want to see any faces. In that case, the children could make a nest with their arms on the desk and put their heads down, or pull their sweaters up over their faces.
The witch continues to croak out her wishes before finally saying, "I don't want to see any children at all!" Presto-all the remaining children disappear under the tables or behind the curtains, waiting to see what happens next. The child-or children-who hide the best get to be the witch(es) or wizard(s) the next time. To wrap up the game, the witch mutters that she would like to see all the children again, along with their pencil cases, binders, or whatever is needed for the next activity.
[6] Things I Can Do with My Hands
How to Play: One child begins the game by saying, "With my hands, I can wave hello." The child demonstrates by waving. The second child repeats the phrase and the action: "With my hands, I can wave hello," and adds (for example), "and pet a kitten," demonstrating the new action. The next child repeats both actions and names a third; for example, scratching, getting dressed, washing, putting on sunblock. If someone gets stuck or can't think of anything else, they can call on another child to help. (The order can be determined by seat assignments or called out by the leader.)
Imagination is more important than knowledge ... ALBERT EINSTEIN
[7] Snail Gymnastics
How to Play: The children stand at their places and breathe calmly from their bellies. The leader transforms them into snails who get to do gymnastics together. First, moving at a snail's pace, they stretch their arms way up into the air, and then use them to draw a big circle, taking at least a minute to complete the activity. A snail-paced knee bend might be next. Finish by having the snail children very slowly sit down. The leader also performs the movements so that the children can follow his pace.
[8] Grow in the Dark
How to Play: First, the classroom is darkened. All the children crouch on the floor; they are teeny-tiny plants. Then the light is switched on and off, five times in a row. In each phase of darkness, the little plants grow a tiny bit. As soon as the light is switched back on, everyone stands still. The children may peek at their fellow plants to see how much they have grown. By the end of the fifth "night," all the little plants should have grown into big, strong plants. If desired, a second round of the game can be added in which the plants slowly, slowly wilt and finally end up back on the floor, curled into a little ball.
[9] The Gorilla Game
How to Play: All the children stand at their seats. With their fingertips, they softly beat on their chests. At the same time, their mouths fall open and they let out a deep gorilla sound. The noise grows louder and louder, then fades; it grows quieter, then quieter still, and finally stops. The children's fingertips should move faster and then more slowly, depending on the sound level. Finally, everyone's arms should fall limply to their sides.
Note: The leader should by all means play along (and guide the players as needed)-and can also ask a child to "conduct."
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