Rousing Games for Preschoolers

This age group loves games. They have developed better motor skills, greater understanding of complex ideas and are very social. The four to six year-olds enjoy the camaradrie and friendships that games encourage. In addition, preschoolers are blessed (?)with high energy. Thus, wise planners of any co-op parties will consider these characteristics and schedule many fun, rousing activities.

Below are classic activities that have proven popular with generations of youngsters.

• Drop the Handkerchief

  This is similar to "Duck, Duck, Goose."

  "It" is given a handkerchief or piece of cloth.
  Everyone else sits cross-legged in a circle, facing in.
  "It" skips around the outside while singing.

  A tisket, a tasket,
  A green and yellow basket,
  I wrote a letter to my love,
  and on the way I dropped it;
  I dropped it, I dropped it,
  And on the way I dropped it.
  A little child picked it up
  and put it in his pocket.
  

  Sometime during the song, "It" drops the cloth behind a child who promptly jumps up to chase "It."
  The latter tries to get to the open spot of the before being tagged.
  

  If "It" is caught, he is "It" again.
  If he makes it to the empty seat, the second player is "It."

• Hide and Seek

  The quintessential activity for children of almost all ages and from all ages. Did you know that records show that in the second century youngsters played a form of, a forerunner of, the modern version of hide and seek? It provided for most of us, also, hours and hours of excitement and joy. Today's youngsters are no different. They, too, love a rambunctious game of Hide and Seek!

  Establish boundaries and home base-tree, fire hydrant, etc..
  "It" closes is eyes (leaning against a tree is best) and counts loudly to 100 (less, if it is a small area or younger children). Then he shouts, "Ready or not, here I come!"

  In the meantime, all others scatter and hide.

  "It" searches slowly. If he spies anyone, he sprints back to base, then yells, "I see __________." The one seen is out. The first one caught is the next "It."

  Other players bide their time and wait for the opportunity to race to home unseen. Each hollers, "Home free!" and is safe. The round ends when all are caught or safe.

  "No fair hugging base." "It" and all the children need to roam the agreed upon area.

• Tag

  Another all-time favorite...lots of running and laughing...a exciting, good time!

  Decide the boundaries, home base and who is "It."

  Children race about trying to avoid "It." For B>short periods of time, youngsters can stay at home where they are safe. "It," on the other hand, attempts to touch or tag another player who then is "It." This can continue on and on and on and on...

• Hot Potato

  Substitute a beanbag or ball for a potato.
  Either standing or sitting, the children form a circle.
  The "hot potato" is passed around as quickly as possible.
  Any player who drops it is out.

  The winner is the one left with the "hot potato."

More Activities for 4-6 Year-Olds

Games for 6-8 Year-Olds

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