playground games

Dodgeball

The game of dodgeball has been a popular childhood activity on the school playground as well as in physical education classes for years. Originally, the game was played primarily by elementary school children, but in recent years it has become a popular game for older children and adults in the form of dodgeball leagues and tournaments.1

1. “How to play DodgeBall.” Cool Games Live. < http://www.coolgameslive.com/Kids-Backyard-Games/Kids/Outdoor-Games/How-to-play-DodgeBall/menu-id-53.html > 23 June 2011.

Four Square

Four square has been a popular playground game for years. It has also been called box ball and Kings corners, and although there is little verified history of the game, it is thought to have been played in some form since the turn of the 20th century when it was mentioned in children’s books. Because it is a fast paced ball game that is easy to play with no time constraints, it has been a great game to play during recess.1

1. “Four Square/Box Ball Rules, History, Tips & Equipment.” Sportsvite. < http://sportsvite.com/sports/FourSquare_BoxBall/rules > 5 Oct. 2011.

Games With Rules

Games with rules is a level of play that imposes rules that must be followed by the players. It requires self-regulation by the children who play, so they can successfully follow the rules and curb their own personal ego needs. Games with rules are often characterized by logic and order, and as children grow older they can begin to develop strategy and planning in their game playing.1

1. Frost, Joe L., Pei-San Brown, John A. Sutterby, Candra D. Thornton. The Developmental Benefits of Playgrounds. Olney, MD: Association for Childhood Education International, 2004. p. 25.

Hopscotch

The children’s game of hopscotch has been a popular playground activity for years. With the basic idea of not treading on lines, variations of the game are played around the world. The English name refers to hopping over the “scotch,” which is a line or scratch in the ground. Lines are drawn in a variety of patterns of squares for the children to hop in with a particular order determined.1

1. “Hopscotch.” Britannica Online Encyclopedia. < http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/271606/hopscotch > 26 May 2011.

Hula Hoop

The hoop has been a popular children’s toy for thousands of years, and the introduction of the Hula Hoop in 1958 by the Wham-O toy company has been documented by sociologists as one of the biggest fads ever to take hold in America and one of the most significant events of the time.1 Because of its enduring popularity, the Hula Hoop was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1999.2

1. Dutta, Ratnashri. “Hula Hoop History.” Buzzle.com. < http://www.buzzle.com/articles/hula-hoop-history.html > 11 Nov. 2011.
2. “Hula Hoop. Inducted 1999.” National Toy Hall of Fame. < http://www.toyhalloffame.org/toys/hula-hoop > 21 Nov. 2011.

Jacks

The game of jacks is a popular activity enjoyed by children. With many variations over the years, the game involves tossing small objects to be picked up in succession. The origins of the game are thought to be from Asia, although there have been many references in Greek and Roman mythology that describe games using stones or small bones. Similar games with varying names are played throughout the world, such as jackstones, fivestones, and knucklebones.1

1. “Knucklebones.” Wikipedia.com. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knucklebones > 1 Dec. 2010.

Jump Rope

The jump rope is a familiar children’s toy on the playground. It has been a popular toy for centuries and was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2000. While rope skipping has been seen in many cultures around the world, early Dutch settlers brought the activity to America in the 17th century where it began as a boy’s activity. By the 18th century girls were also jumping ropes and adding rhythmic songs, such as “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn around, Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, touch the ground” and “Cinderella, dressed in yellow, went up stairs to kiss a fellow.”1

1. “Jump Rope.” National Toy Hall of Fame. < http://www.toyhalloffame.org/toys/jump-rope > 11 Nov. 2011.

Marbles

Marbles are small perfectly round objects that have been played with by children down through the ages. There is evidence of marble games being played by the ancient Egyptians, Aztecs, Romans, and Greeks. Although some early games may have been played with stones and nuts, there have also been small clay balls found in many prehistoric ruins.1

1. “History of Marbles.” iMarbles.com. < http://imarbles.com/historyofmarbles.php > 3 Dec. 2010.

Recess

Recess for children is typically enjoyed outdoors and has been defined as a break period from the relatively inactive routine of the classroom. Traditionally, recess has been loosely structured and has allowed children to freely choose their activities and playmates on the school playground. Recesses usually last 10 to 20 minutes, and most children choose vigorous activities, whether playing tag, climbing on playground equipment, or playing games with balls, jump ropes, and other equipment.1

1. Gallahue, David L. and Frances Cleland Donnelly. Developmental Physical Education for All Children. 4th ed. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. 2003. pp. 352-353.

Red Rover

Red Rover is a classic outdoor neighborhood and playground game that children have played for years. No equipment is required and it is most appropriate for elementary school children. However, with the increasing concern for children’s safety, the game has been deemed too rough for children by some and has been banned because of the risk of injury on many school playgrounds.1

1. “Red Rover: A Traditional Favorite Outdoor Game.” About.com. < http://grandparents.about.com/od/projectsactivities/qt/Red_Rover.htm > 12 Oct. 2011.

Tetherball

Tetherball is a game that has been popular on playgrounds, schoolyards, and summer camps for years. The game involves two players who attempt to hit a ball attached to a pole by a rope in opposite directions until one of them wraps the rope completely around the pole and the ball stops. Tetherball can be enjoyed by school-aged children and adults alike with varying levels of fitness and very little expense.1

1. Norman, Paul A.”Tetherball Games.” Livestrong.com. < http://www.livestrong.com/article/168318-tetherball-games/ > 3 Nov. 2011.