Author Archives: Robert Coats

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I played this game on a long trip a little while ago with my three daughters. One of them can’t spell yet, so we had to change it a little bit. It kept everybody occupied, often laughing, for quite a few miles. Number of players: 4+ Ages: Depending on skills used. There are a number of variations for this game that can be suited to the type of players participating. The main idea of the game is that each player follows the suggestion of the player preceding him. In the first variation, the first player spells a word. The second … Continue reading →

Gingerbread Man

This game is actually a re-enactment of the story by the same name. If you’re unfamiliar with the story, you can follow this link to a wonderfully illustrated e-version. http://www.topmarks.co.uk/stories/gingerbread.htm. It is a great game for a large group, but the number of characters can be cut for a smaller group. Players are chosen to represent the little old woman, and man, the kettle, the pan, the threshers, the mowers the gingerbread man and the fox. The last two, of course, are the most important. The players station themselves at places defined by their parts in the play. The little … Continue reading →

Tree Party

As winter drags on and springtime approaches, one thing I look forward to is the leaves returning to the trees. This game is a great way to welcome back the leaves and turn an ordinary walk in the woods into a fun and educational game. Number of players 4+ Ages: 6+ (or reading age if playing alone) Space: A forest The game requires a little bit of adult preparation ahead of time. The adult should identify by type as many different types of trees as possible, ideally five or more. Then, fasten a card on one or more trees of … Continue reading →

Chicken Limbo Safety Alert

In my latest round of research, I was looking up an old British game called Chicken Market, and came across this recall notice. While it’s unfortunate that children have been hurt, the recall, involving a classic game of limbo, reminds me of just how depersonalized some games can get. Let’s get through the important stuff first. The Milton Bradley Company recalled almost half a million of their Chicken Limbo Electronic Party games. Apparently, the game, as it is packaged, can’t be assembled properly, and so it collapses unexpectedly during play. The company has reported 23 injuries so far, and has … Continue reading →

Chicken Market

This is a classic dramatic and active game. There are a few simple rules that make it great for young children, and anyone who can cluck like a chicken is able to get in on the fun. Number of Players: 5+ Ages: 3+ Space: A big indoor room, or anywhere outdoors. To begin play, one player is chosen to be the market owner and another a shopper; the rest of the players simply pretend to be chickens by stooping down in a row and clasping their hands under their knees. The buyer approaches the market owner and says, “Have you … Continue reading →

Smuggling the Geg

This is an old Scottish game, which came out of the popularity of smuggling. It became popular in the American colonies, since the colonists considered smuggling to be a noble trade. The “geg” is a small treasure, an object that’s easily handled such as a key, a marble or something similar. Number of players: 8+ Ages: 5+ Space: playground or campground with good places to hide To begin play, divide the players into two teams, one called the “outs” and the other the “Ins.” Mark a four by six foot den on the ground near the center of the playing … Continue reading →

Last Couple Out

This game has an interesting history. It’s called “Widow” or “widower” in the Scotch or Swedish forms. The catcher in the game takes the part of the bereaved one who is trying to get a mate. Some research shows that it may be descended from the time when marriages were arranged by capture. Number of players: 7+ Ages: 5+ Space: Outdoors or playground This game requires an odd number of players. One player is the catcher, who stands at one end of the playing field with her back to the other players. The other players stand in couples in a … Continue reading →

Watchdog

This is a great game to play with a group of young children at a party or a large group. It’s especially great for dog lovers, although it can be adapted for any kind of fierce animal the children might want to imitate. Number of players 8+ Ages: 4-8 Space: a good-sized room. To begin, all the players sit in a circle, except for one child who is chosen as the “Watchdog.” This player sits in a chair in the center of the ring, and either closes her eyes or his blindfolded. A “bone” is placed under the watchdog’s chair. … Continue reading →

Ring-A-Lievio

This is an exciting form of hide and seek played in teams, instead of as individuals. The game can inspire the imagination since it involves capturing and prisoners, as well as other elements that go far beyond regular hide and seek. Number of players: 10 or more Ages: 8+ Space: As large as possible… it’s a hide and seek game after all! To begin set up, draw a goal, or den about five feet square at some central spot in the playing area. The group should choose two leaders, who pick teams until all players are teamed up. After determining … Continue reading →

Fishermen

This old Russian game can double as an arts and crafts activity and a fun active game that doesn’t require a lot of space. Number of players: 4+ Ages: 4+ Materials: Card stock paper or light colored cardboard, markers and light string. To begin, if you’re following the arts and crafts variation, have each player cut out the shape of a fish between 10 and 12 inches long and three to four inches wide, although the dimensions can vary to allow for creativity. Players then paste white paper to their fish cut out to allow for decoration. To start the … Continue reading →