Instructify

August 28, 2009

During summer vacation, elementary kids get kinda used to running around and playing all day. So now that it’s time to head back into the classroom, I doubt they think the old grindstone looks like the best place to place their little noses. Make sure kids’ pent-up energy doesn’t overwhelm your class this year by reviewing this list of 30 timeless outdoor games for kids courtesy of Wired magazine’s GeekDad blog.

Yes, your kids are probably playing several of these games already — hopscotch and freeze tag are to the playground as chalk dust and desks are to the classroom. However, this list is a great way to rediscover childhood favorites, and to jog your memory for when your class gets bored playing red rover every day. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can peruse the comments for more ideas such as dodge ball and butts up, which I remember as causing many hours of fun and visits to the nurse’s office.

Keeping students active benefits their health, and will probably make for a more focused classroom environment, too.

Photo credit: daveparker on Flickr.