In this time and age where children spend most of their time indoors glued to the television and smartphones, they know little about going out to play.
Outdoor games can improve mental and physical health in children and develop essential social skills. Through the opportunity to learn new things, they improve their creativity, build immunity and lower the risk of many diseases.
Read on to know some of the outdoor games that you can introduce to your child:
1. Tag, you’re it!
Tag is a classic game that is playing around the world. Also known by the names of “catch-and-catch”, “stuck-in-the-mud” or “you’re it”, it is mostly enjoyed by children, but you can play with your children too.
The tag game requires a minimum of three players. Start by running away from the person who is “it” and try not to let them touch you. If they do, you become “it” and you have to try and tag someone else. The game ends when everyone has been tagged at least once. The one who is tagged the most loses the game.
2. Run … statue!
All of us would have played the statue game at some point. Decide the first player by toss or by mutual agreement. He or she says “statue” when everyone is running all over the place. After “statue” is being said, even a slight movement can make you out.
Here’s a twist. You can also play music and ask them to dance around till you suddenly say “statue”.
3. Kho-Kho
You must be familiar with one of India’s most popular games – Kho- kho.
It is usually played with two teams of twelve members, but you can change that according to the number of players available. While one team remains seated in a long line, three members of the other team enter the field trying not to be caught by them. The teams can take turns in chasing and being chased by the other.
4. Tug of war
Did you know that tug of war was once part of the Olympics? It is the best outdoor game to play when you have your whole family together.
Divide yourself into two teams. Hold a long rope by both the teams on each end, while trying to pull it towards them. The game teaches the children a lot about team effort and persistence.
5. Group into a number
We love a game that is not only fun but also teaches the children to count. In a large play area, the players move in circles. A leader should say a number suddenly and they have to group themselves in that number. All the extras are out. As the game progresses, we will end up with a winner.
For health’s sake!
Stepping out in the sun sometimes becomes an essential shield against many diseases. At Winmore Academy, one of the best schools in Bangalore, we believe that our playgrounds are as great learning environments as our classrooms. We ingrain sports and other physical activities in our school curriculum right from early childhood education.
Albert Einstein once said, “ Play is the highest form of research”. Yes, indeed!