Everybody remembers kindergarten as one of the times in our lives when we just had fun. We spent hours it seemed just playing games and enjoying one another. The truth is, all of those kindergarten games we played were really aimed at teaching us some random skill. The best kindergarten games are the ones that kids enjoy, but that still teach them how to do something. Here are a list of super kindergarten games that will keep them happy, but keep them learning at the same time.
Pin The Tail On The Donkey
This classic game is a ton of fun indoors or out as long as you are careful about safety. Always use velcro instead of the old fashioned pins, and always clear out the area that you will be playing in. Hang a donkey from the ceiling pinata style, and make sure the entire donkey is receptive to velcro. If this is too involved, then simply place a picture of a donkey on the wall with the same type of fabric. Then grab the blindfold, give the tyke a spin or ten, and watch the fun begin as they try to place a “tail” on the donkey. It is a ton of fun with kindergarteners. (It also is great for their balance and fine motor skills)
The Egg Toss
While the egg toss is not especially huge on the learning end, it does teach your kids how to work as a team. Not only that, but they will also get some actual activity practice in to boot. Have them start facing one another and toss the egg back and forth. After each toss, they should take one step backwards. Needless to say you want to have them wear old clothes for this kindergarten game.
Go On A Treasure Hunt
Kindergarten games would not be the same without the inclusion of the good old fashioned treasure hunt. This game is highly adaptable, and it challenges the child to think outside the box. Gather anything “valuable” to a kindergartener and hide it. Then leave clues all over the classroom or playground for the kids to find and follow to get to the treasure. This game is a wonderful way to get their brains going and teach them to follow clues.
Circle Ball
This kindergarten game helps the child to learn about teamwork and timing. You place a ball inside of a circle of children. One person goes to the center to be “It” and the others form a tight circle around them. The person in the middle of the group tries to kick the ball out of the circle. The ball needs to be a soft, dodge ball type so that kids will not get hurt. The child in the middle must stay inside of a designated circle to kick the ball so that the ball is not coming so fast. Make the circle wide so that people will have time to react.
Animal Race
Another game that has lots of variations. This game is especially fun because it brings in what the children know about animals and mixes it with their racing abilities. This game is simply a race between animals. Line up two kids with a start and finish line, and have them race as “bunnies” for example. (They must hop) This can be a ton of fun as the list of animals is endless.
Kindergarten games are meant to be fun first and foremost, but the games should also give the children some other benefits. When you can mix knowledge, skill, and fun into one game, then you have a kindergarten game to brag about. What are some of yours?