Shelalagh McGovern - Lets Play: Popular Games for Children

Kids love to play! Theres nothing quite like playing a game. When you play a game well, it becomes your whole world and nothing else exists. You interact, communicate and laugh with others. Children are particularly good at playing games because they live in the moment. We learn best when we enjoy what we are doing and in an environment where we can express ourselves, make mistakes and be creative.

As an adult I still love to play games. For over 10 years, I have taught circus, aerial and drama skills to children and adults from 5 to 70 years old from complete beginners to professional performers. I have used games to begin a class, help students work together and to develop performances.

One of the best things about playing games is having fun. Games can cross cultural, social, language and age barriers. Playing games at parties and events creates an opportunity for people to enjoy themselves while getting to know one another.

These days, childrens parties can be a real production so including a number of simple games is a good way to entertain a group of children. You may also like to include the adults in the games as well. If you are organising your childs birthday, or a family get-together, if you work with young children or you need some ice-breakers for a work function or a group of adults this book is for you.

I have compiled a collection of tried and tested games that I have enjoyed with many people. Although they are set out in age categories, this is only a guide as most of these games can be played by anyone, no matter what their age. The main objective is to have fun.

If you are leading the games be a confident and fair leader. Make sure you understand the rules of the games. Ask a family member or friend to assist you with running the games. Always take time to explain the game and make sure the players understand how to play. You will need to physically demonstrate actions when explaining some of the games listed.

Kids love to ask why or offer suggestions. Be ready to explain why and allow for variations to evolve. A child might suggest playing the game a new way. Try the childs suggestion if it is appropriate, and embrace their ideas if they are practical for the whole group.

Listen to the group and watch them play. Always finish a game while everyone is having fun. That way you can go back to it again with ease. Most of the games in this book are crowd-pleasers, but each group is different and group dynamics can change quickly so be ready to let something go if its not working.

Give your players responsibilities and decision-making opportunities. Empowering your players will bring out the best in them, so try to choose a range of games that cater for the different strengths of the players in the group. Some will be good at physical games while others may excel at memory games. You may like to show the book to the players and encourage them to choose and lead the games they like.

Do your utmost to create a safe and fun environment so the players feel comfortable with the games. At the beginning of a session go through key safety rules together. Encourage the players to be responsible for their actions, respect their fellow players and the environment they are in.

As the leader, remember that some of the players may be confused or overwhelmed with too much information or high expectations. Others may just be really excited and ready to play. Start with fun and easy games to build confidence, trust and teamwork, and then proceed to more complicated games. Generally all players want to fit in and belong to the group so they may be distressed if they cant for some reason. Players who are bored thrive when given decision-making opportunities. For example Rock, paper, scissors is a good game to allow natural leaders to shine.