Three get-to-know-each-other DIY game ideas
- Details
- Published on Friday, 28 September 2012 04:04
By Shara Lawrence-Weiss {written for Games 4 Educators, 2012}
One:
Purchase a game board from your local craft store and design your own board game, according to your children’s / student’s needs. This is an inexpensive way to create a game that’s personalized. There are free templates Online, also, if you want to print and glue (to a piece of wood or heavy cardboard). Simply search for “blank game board” and numerous options will pop up. You can print from there.
Write your own questions and directions, to fit the needs of your kids/students. Some questions might include, “What were you most looking forward to with the new school year?” “What most worried you about starting a new grade?” “What’s your favorite thing about class so far?” “What is your favorite subject?” “What’s something kind you could do for someone else in class today?”
Two:
Purchase an inexpensive fluffy ball from a toy shop. Kids enjoy the large ones that are soft and easy to toss and catch. You can usually find bright and colorful ones in pink, yellow, green, etc. Toss the ball around the room, while sitting in a circle. Have each child answer simple questions, after they catch the ball: “What’s your name?” “Do you have siblings at home?” “Do you have any pets?”
Games like this often times help children open up – even the ones who are more resistant to socializing. However, if you find that one or two students struggle to talk, don’t push it. Allow them to sit and watch and perhaps they will join in the next time, after their nerves have settled a bit.
Three:
Here’s an idea for a get-to-know-you outdoor game. Take the kids outside for a scavenger hunt. Have them work together to locate various outdoor items such as leaves, sticks, nut shells, flowers and more. Bring all of the items back to a bucket and place them inside. Later, create an art collage from the items and talk, while doing so. Ask questions about each child, as you work together. “What did you enjoy most about going outside?” “What’s your favorite flower or bug?” “What do you like most about art?” “If you could paint a picture of anything, what would it be?” For outdoor parties and home gatherings, you could play a variation of this game using the options found at www.jtsplatmaster.com.
Author:
Shara Lawrence-Weiss is the owner of Mommy Perks, Kids Perks, Early Childhood News and Resources, Personal Child Stories and all additional sites under the Pine Media umbrella. She has four children (2 boys, 2 girls) and has a background in small business ownership, freelance, marketing, nanny work, early childhood, education, special needs and charity service. Shara serves as the secretary of her town charity group and the treasurer of the local library Board. She's been known to drink too much coffee and snort while laughing.
Early Childhood News and Resources is owned and operated by the Mommy Perks family of sites.
