Yesterday, I visited an elementary school to do some consulting work. While watching students have fun on the playground, I instantly had a flashback of my friends and me playing outside, some 30 years ago. I began to think of all of the old-school games that we used to play and decided to write an article about them. For teachers who are looking for games to introduce to their students during recess, you will like this piece. So let’s talk about 20 old-school indoor and outdoor recess games that your students should be playing.
- What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? – Red Light, Green Light on steroids. Learn more: Fatherly
- Blind Man’s Bluff – A variation of tag that involves blindfolds. Learn more: Kidspot
- Shadow Tag -A variation of the tag, except the kids have to tag their shadows. Learn more: Welcome to Room 2
- Mother, May I? – Control freaks love this game until it is their turn to take directions. Learn more: Group-Games
- Capture the Flag – Is a classic game that is played outdoors. As the title implies, you have to capture the flag of the opposing team. Learn more: LiveAbout
- Doggy, Where’s Your Bone? -A guessing game that involves guessing who took the bone from under the chair. I know, I know, but just give it a chance. Learn more: Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
- Kabaddi -An Indian version of tag. Learn more: Kid World Citizen
- Steal the Bacon –A game that is part listening and patience, part sprint, and tag. Learn more: Physical Education Games
- Sardines – A reverse take on hide and seek. Learn more: Group-Games
- Charlie over the Ocean – Duck, duck, goose. Learn more: The Unquowa School
- Kick the Can – Self-explanatory. Learn more: Dukes & Duchesses
- 44 Home – A version of hide and seek. Learn more: BuzzFeed
- A Tisket, A Tasket – A variation of duck-duck-goose. Learn more: Let’s Play Music
- Ship to Shore – A variation of “Simon Says.” Learn more: Playworks
- Turtle Tag – Regular tag, but with a twist. Learn more: Lessons Learnt Journal
- Zero 1, 2, 3 -Kids are required to do tricks as they jump rope.Learn more: Playworks
- Guard the Queen Dodgeball – Outdoor dodgeball, anyone? Learn more: Grandma Ideas
- DIY Chalk Twister -Twister, played outdoors. Learn more: Kids Activities
- Four Square -Kickball, except without kicking. Learn more: SquareFour
- Red Rover -If running headfirst into a wall of peers sounds fun to you, then “Red Rover” is your game. Learn more: Life Outside the Shell
What games did I miss?
