Categories: Parenting

Three Old Children’s Games That Encourage Social and Physical Development

There seems to be an extensive list of psychological and developmental conditions that children are predisposed to these days. Ailments like ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other psychological issues seemed to be unheard of during the 1800’s and 1900’s. While some scientists believe that there are definite medical reasons for certain childhood behaviors, it is quite fascinating to wonder about whether children growing up during these times were ever diagnosed with “behavioral problems.” Or are the behavioral issues plaguing kids today merely “excuses” that parents and teachers make for their own poor attendance to the childrens’ needs? This may be cause for great argument. The social activities deemed worthy (and worthwhile) for children these days are generally fast-paced and/or computerized. Indeed, technology helps today’s children become more adept at keeping up with the world’s futuristic enhancements. But could it be possible that older, more antiquated modes of play actually helped children more in their social and psychological growth?

Game(s): Simon Says
Developmental Skill: Obedience; Listening Skills

In the game of Simon Says one child is selected out of the group to be “Simon.” The others must do exactly what “Simon says…”, but only when Simon begins his instructions with the actual words : “Simon says…”. Theoretically, Simon will increase the speed of his/her requests, slipping in tasks without prefacing the request. Anyone caught performing the task without this “prerequisite” is automatically eliminated. Simon’s job is to get everyone out of the game as quickly as possible; the players on the other hand, are determined to stay in. The last player standing then becomes the new “Simon.” This game helped to improve listening skills. Not only did children have to listen for the formal instructions, they also had to pay attention to what action(s) Simon wanted performed.

Game(s): Red Light/ Green Light ; Duck, Duck, Goose
Developmental Skill: Agility

In Red Light/ Green Light, one child is chosen to be “It.” He (or she) stands with his back to the remaining children; Calling out “Green Light” signals the children to run towards him/her. Calling out “Red Light” is the signal for all the children to stop immediately wherever they are. The first child to reach the caller wins the game. Duck, Duck Goose involves similar rules, only the children are required to sit in a fairly large circle. The person chosen to be “It” must walk around the circle, tapping each child while saying “Duck…Duck…etc.” When he/she calls out “Goose!” the child tapped must chase the “It” child before he/she reaches the spot he was originally sitting in. If the “Goose” fails to get back to his/her original seat, he/she becomes the new “It.” Each of these games requires children to control their motor skills by stopping and starting suddenly, or by rising from a seated position to one in which they are in full motion. In addition to a little friendly camaraderie, both of these games involve testing children’s dexterity and agility.

Game(s): Heads Up/ Seven Up
Developmental Skill: Social Skills

This game typically took place in elementary schools, and involves a group of children, seven of whom are chosen to be Thumb Pressers. The remaining children are advised to put their heads down (so that they can’t see), and hold up one thumb. The seven then make their way around the room, pressing down the thumb of one child. Once this has been completed, the children who had their thumbs pressed down must stand and attempt to guess which of the seven is his/her Thumb Presser. This game is especially helpful in groups where children have gotten to know each other. Children may attempt to guess their Thumb Pressers based on how hard their fingers were touched, or by other stimuli. In doing so, children begin using their cognitive skills to identify certain traits about other human beings. Eventually, this helps them to develop the ability to use their intuition about the people around them.