Homeschool games are essential to every party. The following contests can easily be adapted to any setting--homeschool support group, home, church, etc.--and any theme--Harvest or Halloween, Christmas, St. Valentine's, birthday, etc .
- Homeschool Games: Cake (or cupcake) Walk
When
planning
decide if every player gets a cupcake or only those that win. Have that amount of treats on hand.
Making a large circle, securely tape on the floor many sheets of paper. (If you anticipate many rounds of this activity, protect the sheets by covering them with clear "contact" plastic.) Warning: count on this being a very popular activity!
The pieces of paper should be about a foot apart .
On one, draw or attach a picture of a star or a pumpkin or a heart or a cake, whatever fits the day. This is the winner's spot.
Set up a CD or tape player with suitable music. Begin by starting the music as the children walk around the circle stepping on the papers. They should stay about one foot apart
so there's no crowding and everyone gets to hit a paper.
At one point, stop the music. Whoever is on the marked place wins a treat! He is now out.
The other youngsters will want to continue, so just start 'er up again.
- Homeschool Games: Bean Bag Toss
Ask a Dad, older boys or someone to construct a free-standing wooden board with a hole at least twelve inches in diameter placed in the center.
It could then be painted. But perhaps even better because it could be changed according to the type of party, cover the board with a holiday or suitable material.
Make little bean bags (minimum of six) small enough to go through the hole with plenty of room to spare.
Place a length of tape a distance from the board. (Vary this according to the ages playing at a particular time. Just move the target closer if the children are young.)
At game time, the players line up single file. The first child gets three bean bags and three tries to toss one through the hole. A tiny prize for each success.
After three turns, he can leave or go to the back of the line.
Note: The equipment can be used over and over. Making the board sturdy is a great investment for the co-op.
- Homeschool Games: Pin the Tail on the Donkey
An old stand-by...Who says it has to be a donkey?? It can be, of course, and the participants have just as much fun. It also lends itself to easy adaptation.
Buy the donkey or make another target. It can be very elaborate or simple. For example:
homeschool group party:
star over the stable or on the top of a Christmas tree
note in St. Valentine's hand
crown on the head of the Blessed Mother
hat atop a scarecrow
airplane over your city (use a pre-made U.S. map)
home party:
candle on top of the birthday cake
graduation cap on the head of the graduate
church party:
staff in Moses' hand
lamb for Jesus' shoulder
Obviously, the list is limited only by your imagination. How fun is this!?
Make the big target, cover with clear contact plastic and pre-cut the shapes for the player to stick on.
Note: The following could even be a separate activity for the get-together. Another alternative is to provide paper, scissors, glitter, crayons, etc. for each child to make his own
attachment. He could then take it home afterwards.
Attach the paper with the donkey or other drawing to a wall.
In order to avoid confusion, children should put their names on the tags.
Players line up in single file.
The first in line puts double stick tape or a little circle of tape on his attachment. Then he is blindfolded and gently turned several times in a circle. Next, he is pointed in the direction of the drawing.
He tapes his attachment to the "best" spot.
The game continues until each child has a turn.
The person closest to the target is the winner(s). He gets a little prize.
This game is best run in groups of ten or fewer. If more than that play at one time, the sheet gets too cluttered and the children get too fidgety.
- Homeschool Games: Penny Toss
Collect lots of pennies.
Space out rows of containers, the more the better. Use baby food jars or cans with the rims filed smooth.
Establish the stand-behind line. Once again, adjust it for the different ages of the youngsters.
Players line up in single file.
The first gets five pennies and tries to pitch them into the containers.
He can keep the pennies that land accurately...and his turn ends.
Repeat with all contestants.
- Homeschool Games: Other Quick and Easy Idas
A pinata and bingo are ready-made options which are thoroughly enjoyable.
Shoe Relay and other inside games
are perennial favorites and easy to do.
Enjoy these classic homeschool games. They make any party exciting and memorable. Be ready with a camera!
Quieter Inside Games
Racous Outdoor Games
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