PLAYGROUND GAMES

With the National Play Resource Centre

Children really enjoy playing games.  Games encourage the taking of turns,
confidence, new skills and the opportunities for much needed exercise.  The attached files give you loads more ideas on things to do and fun to have, 1) games.pdf and 2) Organisation of Games.pdf (click on the title to be taken to the publication) - these publications are aimed at helping parents think of new ways to entertain kids.

If they are well organised they provide a safe environment for testing out skills and showing off our strengths. Many games have been played for centuries and games from differing parts of the world are very similar.  Tag exists in some form in most cultures.  We would like to offer suggestions for games that can be played in the school playground, after-school or play scheme.  If you have any others let us know: nprc@ippa.ie.

The National Play Resource Centre operate outreach 'Active Play' courses nationwide for teachers and parents. If you would like to know how to book a
course, email sgoode@ippa.ie for more details of how to make this happen in your area.

Whether at school or at home, teachers and parents will enjoy the following ideas for games - or download here for more fun!

Dragons Tail
Mark out an area on the playground or hall floor.  This is the playing area
(approx. 6 m x 4 m is needed).  Divide the children into groups of three ask
them to form a chain by holding onto the waist of the child in front.  The
lead child is the head of a dragon.  A cloth is placed in the waistband of
the third child (a tea-towel or kerchief works well) this is the Dragons
tail.

Two 'Dragons' are chosen to enter the playing area. The aim of the game is
to take the other dragons tail before they take yours. The winning dragon
stays on and 'fights' again.  If the Dragon breaks up or steps out of the
circle they are out.

Mill and Grab
This game can be played with a large number of children. The only limitation
is the amount of space available and how loud you can shout.

The children are all together in a group you shout 'one' everyone has to
stand on their own. If you shout 'two' the children has to get into pairs.
If you shout 'three' the children have to get into groups of three. Call out
numbers of the size of group that you want the children to get into. You can
play for along time without any one being 'out'. The ones who do not make it
into a group can be told to do three press-ups or tuck jumps. At an
appropriate time children can be out if they do not get into the right group
and this can carry on to you have a winner. When you have finished start
again.

For further information please visit the National Play Resource Centre website by visiting www.playinireland.ie.