Traditional Games

Grade Levels: K - 5

SUPERSHOES

Object:

• To be the first team to spell out "supershoes" by getting one of the four sneakers and returning to the line before the other teams.

Equipment:

• Four sneakers

Description:

• Four teams line up around the periphery of the gymnasium, using the endlines and sidelines.
• Four sneakers are placed in the center.
• The students on each team are given a number which corresponds to a number on the other teams.
• When a number is called out, the players must run around the outside of the formation in a clockwise direction, enter through their empty spot, grab a sneaker, and return it to their spot.
• When the person returns with the sneaker, all team members must sit down and yell "supershoes."
• The first team back gets two letters in spelling "supershoes" and the second team gets one letter.
• The first team to spell out "supershoes" is the winner.

Variation:

• Use other equipment such as a basketball and have the person getting the basketball dribble it through a designated route.

FOLLOW ME

Object:

• To increase the concentration of the class during group instruction.

Equipment:

• None

Description:

• The instructor or leader will face the group and be visible to everyone.
• The action will consist of body movements.
• The class is to follow closely the leader's movements.
• This technique can be used at any time during warm-ups or for formal instruction in an activity.
• The technique is greatly improved if the instructor can "ham it up" while performing the movements.
• Through this exercise, the instructor demonstrates the importance of following directions to learn a physical skill.

HIDDEN TREASURE

Object:

• To accumulate the most points by finding golf balls that have been given different values.

Equipment:

• Golf balls of different colors

Description:

• Hide approximately 100 multicolored golf balls at some location within walking distance.
• Hike with the children to the spot where the golf balls have been hidden.
• Allow the children 15 to 20 minutes to find the golf balls.
• Explain that each color has a different point value.
• Have each child tabulate the number of points the golf balls represent.

Variations:

• Use teams of two, three, four, or five, and see which team can accumulate the most points.
• Place a team container some distance from the hiding spot. Any time a golf ball is found, the finder must run and deposit it in the container.
• Different forms of locomotion can be used when searching for a golf ball or after finding one.

CRAZY BALL

Object:

• To develop eye-hand coordination by using throwing, catching, and bouncing skills.

Equipment:

• A racquetball or tennis ball for each child in the class

Description:

• Each student takes a ball and moves to any area of the gym.
• The activity consists of having the children throw, bounce, and catch their balls any way they like.
• They are encouraged to use walls, baskets, and other equipment in the gym.
• Emphasis is placed on using available space without running into anyone else.

Variations:

• Alternate between using dominant and nondominant hands.
• Use a variety of different sized balls.
• Every two minutes, have the students obtain a different ball to throw, bounce, or catch.

Excerpted from What Are We Doing in Gym Today?