This game works best with large groups of children such as a preschool class or with a group of children at a daycare center. This game is played similarly the game known as rock, papers, scissors. Giants, wizards and elves allows kids to have fun while learning to understand rules as well as good sportsmanship. In this game, giants conquer wizards. Wizards win over elves, and elves conquer giants. For a child to be a giant, she raises her hands up high over her head. Wizards make a triangle with their arms over their heads -- in order to make a wizard hat. For a child to be an elf, he places his hands near his ears in order to make larger ears. The last child remaining is the winner.
This game can be played with kids in small or large groups. Use the song "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, Eyes and Ears and Mouth and Nose." Interchange a variety of body parts during this game. You can include eyes, thumbs, ankles and elbows. Start the song out slowly and as children get the hang of the game, speed up the pace. This game teachers musical awareness, rhythm and anatomy. There is no winner or loser in this game. It simply allows kids to have fun while learning.
Trashcan basketball is played with crumbled sheets of paper. Use a clean trashcan if you would like to have children throw reusable items such as soft balls into the trashcan. This game can be used with a variety of different learning techniques. It can be used to teach children colors, words, the alphabet or basic mathematics. Ask the child a question, if she gets the question correct, she is able to take a shot at the basket. If she makes the shot, the child gets an extra point. The child should already get one point for answering the question right. The child at the end of the game with the most points is the winner.
The use of an obstacle course can be beneficial in teaching kids motor skills in addition to problem solving skills. This game can be completed with any number of children. Transform your yard, classroom, part of a gym or a large empty space into an obstacle course. Depending on your location, you may use chairs, cones, cushions, laundry baskets, cardboard boxes or gymnastic mats. Place some fun, upbeat music on and allow children to make their way through the obstacle course. Allow them to practice once. In order to teach the value of good sportsmanship, you can time children as they make their way through the obstacle course.