Our students are excited to be playing outside in the sunshine and warm weather these days. The time that we as adults spend outdoors with children creates memories; not to mention that it helps them see the importance of being fit and active. Do you have memories of playing catch, skipping or kite flying with your parents? Did you play soccer or baseball together? If you did I am sure that you have fond memories of that time. In today's busy world it is very easy for us to forget to take the time to play. It is important for all of us - children and adults alike. This week we will continue our series of games for children to play while outside. If you have games or activities that you would like to see included, please make a comment or send an email to let me know!
Bowling - Day OR Evening
This is a link to a video with instructions for a variation that includes a frozen ball! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcxhrZmmP74
To make this more challenging, players can run around cones (or other obstacles), perform actions at certain points (like run through a hula hoop), or carry an object with them that cannot drop. If they are carrying an object (like an egg, ball or cup of water) and it falls, they must begin again. If teams have varied skill levels or ages, create two finish lines, with one closer than the other, or remove obstacles during the turn of the younger players.
This is a link to a page with lots of variations to try - http://www.tipjunkie.com/post/relay-races/
Here is a link to a video with kindergarten age children running in a relay race - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65AUT6a7pT8
Capture the Flag
Divide your playing field in half. Assign each team to one side of the field. Set a time limit for the game, or plan to play until the game concludes.
The object of the game is to capture the flag of the opposing team and return it to your side. Players begin the game on their own side of the field. They run toward the other team's flag and try to pick it up without being tagged by players on the other team. If they are tagged, a player must sit in "jail" until freed. A teammate can rescue them by going into the other team's side and tagging them. Usually a player is safe if they are on their own side, but this rule can be changed as long as everyone knows about it.
With older or very skilled players, the field area could be made much larger (for example one yard for each team), or the flag can be hidden. If an adult is supervising, but not participating, they can call a "jailbreak" so that all players who are in jail are released.
This is a link to a video with instructions - http://familyfitness.about.com/video/How-to-Play-Capture-the-Flag.htm
Remember to check out our school website - http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b347