Homeschool co-op games are fun to plan and even more entertaining to watch. The children truly look forward to the group's parties which can be planned for holidays and any and all other occasions. Below are activities that are simple to prepare but still exciting.
- Travel Relay
Beforehand, pack two suitcases or backpacks with an equal number and similar style of clothes. (example--a hat for each, pair of shorts for each, gloves, shirts, wraps)
Mark the start and turn around lines with masking tape. Vary the distance according to the age of the players.
Divide
the players into two teams, as equally matched as possible.
At the signal, the first two youngsters dash to the turn around point with their suitcases. Then they yank out the apparel and quickly dress.
Now the point is to just get clothes on. It doesn't have to be perfect; shoes can be worn on the hands, but not carried.
Competitors race back to the start line, peel out of the garb, stick it all back into the suitcase and hand off to the next persons Whew!
The sprint continues through all the contestants. The first group to finish wins.
- All Wrapped Up, also known as Mummy Wrap
You may be familiar with this from bridal showers, "Dress the Bride." But it is also among favorite homeschool co-op games.
Break into teams of 3-4 children. Each group gets a roll of toilet paper. (Have a dispenser of tape handy.)
They are to pick one person as the Mummy. Then they are to completely wrap him from neck to toes with the paper. Emphasize that the head in not included.
Remind them that toilet paper is fragile and that tape is available.
The first team to completely cover the Mummy wins.
Variation: Select a Mom(s) or visitor or other observer (eg. pastor) to select the winner based on the best/most imaginative model. Remember at the showers, brides would wind up with toilet paper rings, flowers, trains, all sorts of unbelievable creations.
- Egg Relay
Prepare a dozen or so hard boiled eggs.
Mark off the start and turn around lines.
Divide into two teams. Each player gets a metal spoon. (Plastic might break.)
The first two children get an egg on their spoons. (Don't tell them they are cooked!)
Without dropping the eggs, they carefully walk to the turn around and back to the start. If an egg does fall, the child has to begin again.
When the initial players get back to their teammates, they have to transfer the eggs to the next persons without touching or dropping them. Easier said than done!
The first team finished wins.
Variation: Use cotton balls instead of eggs.
- Guess Who
This is not really a game, but more of an ice-breaker.
Decide on a category of famous people that all the youngsters will recognize. It might be Bible heroes, saints, figures from U.S. history or world history.
Write the names on pieces of paper.
At the beginning of the homeschool co-op games, with safety pins, attach a name paper to the back of each child's shirt. He may not use a mirror or look over his shoulder or otherwise "cheat."
Throughout the rest of the activities, whenever he can, he asks for clues from the others; but he cannot question directly. For example, he may say, "Am I a man? Was I a soldier?" He may not directly query, "Who am I?"
Others may voluntarily offer hints.
Whenever he deduces his identity, he checks in with the moderator and receives a small prize.
Once all heroes are identified, another round can be started.
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Count on these homeschool co-op games to interest and entertain all the children from pre-school to teen.
Other Group Activites
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