Playing outside for most of the day, even in colder weather used to be the norm when it came to children’s activities in their free time. These days they are often spending up to 6hours on average watching TV and playing video games. We can’t blame this change in behavior entirely on TV, as our busy life’s sometimes get in the way, as well as our concern for their safety, since the world simply isn’t a safe place, and the fact that kids often don’t know what to play anymore. Old and classic outdoor games aren’t being passed on in the school playgrounds anymore, so it is up to those who still remember them to bring them back. There is a simple way to teach your children some great team building and reaction developing games in the safety of your own garden.
A group of 4 to 8 (or more, if you feel you can handle them) is ideal for these games, so consider inviting some of your kids’ friends round or the neighbors’ kids to make up the numbers. Once you’ve taught them the games, which are presented below, you can supervise the play for 2 or 3 rounds to make sure there aren’t any questions and then leave them to it. If there are any arguments regarding cheating or breaking the rules, let them try to resolve it among themselves and only step in if it seems absolutely necessary.
Bring out some refreshments for them. This will keep them energized and if you take the refreshments to them, then they won’t rush inside to grab them and then get distracted by their digital entertainment systems. Your garden shed can serve as their snack area, as well as a fun HQ for them to discuss the next game. Just clear out some room and make sure they know, that it’s part of the play area.
Presented are four of my own childhood favorites, which promote team building skills, tactics, balance and general motor skills.
Red Light, Green Light
Personally, I recommend starting with this game, as it starts off slow and then becomes more interesting, so it’s a good option of getting the kids used to the concept of playing outside. The rules are simple: One player, the traffic light, has their back to the group and shouts ‘Green Light’. The group takes slow steps toward the traffic light. The steps should be toe to heel to ensure the steps are slow. Imagining walking on a tightrope is a good way to make this style of walking clear. The traffic light faces the group and shouts ‘Red Light’. No one is allowed to move during a red light. If someone does move or wobble as they’re off balance, they have to return to the starting point. The first person to reach the traffic light wins, and becomes the next traffic light. The rules of when to walk and when not to walk are taught and highlighted in this game, as well as balance since the traffic light can catch you off guard whilst walking toe to heel.
Freeze Tag
Freeze tag is like your traditional tag, except that when someone is caught, they’re not ‘it’ instead they have to freeze where they are. They can be freed by another player, but whoever is ‘it’ can also catch the player trying to free the frozen one. Whoever is ‘It’ must play very tactically, as they are outnumbered and can be overwhelmed by the others. However, if they keep a frozen player in their sights, they can catch both the player doing the unfreezing and the player who was originally frozen. Likewise the players, who aren’t ‘It’
can develop a tactic to work together and plan unfreezing their team mates. One could
distract the ‘It’, while another frees a team mate.
Red Rover
Red Rover is a great team building game, and it also forces the children to all interact with each other. If groups have started to form in the previous games, and children being left out, then this game will ensure that everyone gets included. Divide everyone into two teams, each forming a long line, holding hands, and facing the other team. The distance between the teams should be around 20 feet, or simply enough space to be able to run from team to team without it being too easy. The teams take turns calling out, “Red Rover, Red Rover, let ‘insert child’s name’ come over!” The child called leaves their team’s line, runs as fast as they can toward the other line and tries to break through the held hands. If they break through the opposing team’s line, they get to take someone back to their team. If they don’t, they join the new team. When a team only has one person left, that person tries to break through the other team. If they do not, then their team loses. If they do, they gain a player and play continues.
Wolf’s Dinner Time
This game requires patience, good timing and a good attention span. One player is Mr Wolf, and the rest of the group faces him from a distance of about 15 feet. Mr Wolf has his back to the group. The group shouts ‘What’s the time Mr Wolf?’, and the Mr Wolf turns to the group and must answer with a time. If Mr Wolf says ‘6 o’clock’, then the group takes six steps toward him. The wolf then turns his back on the group again. He may only face them when answering. Once the wolf believes the group to be close enough, without looking in between his answers, his answer becomes ‘Dinnertime!’ and he chases members of the group. Whoever he catches becomes the next Mr Wolf. Both players and wolf must reign in their excitement. The wolf has an advantage as he dictates how many steps are taken, however, the players are aware of what will happen and should be ready for when the wolf strikes. Timing is everything with this game as if the wolf decides to strike too soon he misses his chance for an easy catch. If the players let down their guard and stop paying attention, then they are easier to catch. This then promotes keeping your concentration for a longer period of time.
These games are merely examples of some of the classic and still fun outdoor games. There are many other great outdoor games and kids love learning new things, so tell them your favorite games, too.
This article was written by Sarah Oxley on behalf of Tiger Sheds, garden shed and playhouse manufacturers.
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