9 Playing Games
How to Thrive Through Social Engagement
Tanessa Sanchez and Kerry Diaz
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, you should be able to:
Games are more than just a source of fun for school-age children—they are powerful tools that support cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. From board games and card games to team sports and digital platforms, games provide structured opportunities for children to learn critical thinking, cooperation, problem-solving, and self-regulation. In classroom and home settings alike, games can enhance academic skills, foster peer relationships, and build resilience. This chapter explores the many benefits of games during the school-age years and provides practical examples that educators and caregivers can use to support learning and development through playful, engaging experiences.
The Benefits of Play
Games play a crucial role in the physical development of elementary and middle school students by enhancing both large and fine motor skills. Active games such as tag, hopscotch, soccer, and jump rope improve gross motor skills by strengthening muscles, improving coordination, and enhancing balance. At the same time, games that require grasping, manipulating small objects, or using hand-eye coordination, such as puzzles, building blocks, or video games with precise controls, help develop fine motor skills. These activities improve dexterity, finger strength, and coordination, which are essential for everyday tasks like writing, using scissors, or tying shoelaces. Through play, children refine their motor abilities in a fun, engaging way while also getting much-needed physical exercise.
Beyond physical benefits, games stimulate cognitive development by encouraging problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Strategy-based games, such as chess, board games, and puzzle-solving activities, require students to plan ahead, analyze different outcomes, and develop logical reasoning. Video games, especially those that involve problem-solving and fast reflexes, can enhance memory, spatial awareness, and multitasking abilities. Even traditional playground games like Simon Says or scavenger hunts challenge children to follow instructions, recall information, and adapt to changing scenarios. By engaging in these activities, students develop mental flexibility and focus, which support their academic performance in subjects such as math, reading, and science.
Games also foster social development by teaching children essential skills such as communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Team-based games, like basketball, relay races, or cooperative board games, require students to work together, share responsibilities, and develop leadership skills. Role-playing games and imaginative play help children practice empathy and perspective-taking, allowing them to understand different viewpoints. Games also create opportunities for students to navigate social challenges, manage emotions, and learn good sportsmanship, whether they win or lose. By participating in group play, children strengthen their social connections, self-confidence, and ability to collaborate, which are crucial skills for both school and future life situations.
Types of Games
Tag
The game of tag is one of the oldest and most universal forms of play, dating back to ancient times. It has been played by children across various cultures, and its simplicity and versatility have made it a favorite for generations. Historical references to tag-like games can be found in the writings of the ancient Greeks, where a form of tag was played as a competitive physical game. In medieval Europe, children often played games of chase, and tag-style games were a common part of childhood games in both urban and rural settings. The game involves one person, “It,” chasing others and attempting to “tag” or touch them to make them “It.” Over time, different cultures adapted and modified the game, creating numerous variations that incorporated different rules, objectives, and equipment. Tag’s emphasis on physical activity, excitement, and social interaction has made it a lasting and enjoyable activity across generations.
10 Variations of Tag
- Freeze Tag: In this variation, when a player is tagged, they must freeze in place until another player touches them to “unfreeze” them.
- Shadow Tag: Instead of tagging a person, the “It” player tags the shadow of another player by stepping on it.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Tag: Played at night with glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark paint, where the objective is still to tag other players, but the glowing markers add an extra challenge.
- TV Tag: When a player is tagged, they must call out a television show or character name before being caught to avoid becoming “It.”
- Tunnel Tag: Players must form tunnels by bending down, and when tagged, a player must crawl through a tunnel to escape being tagged again.
- Ball Tag: The “It” player tags others with a soft ball instead of physically touching them. If the ball touches a player, they become “It.”
- Team Tag: Played with two teams, where players work together to protect one another and evade being tagged, and the objective is to tag all members of the opposing team.
- Human Knot Tag: Players form a human knot by holding hands with others, and the “It” player must untangle or break the knot by tagging individuals.
- Zombie Tag: One player is a zombie and tries to tag other players. Once tagged, players become zombies and help the original zombie tag more people.
- Kick the Can Tag: In this variation, a can is placed in the middle of the play area. The “It” player must chase others and attempt to kick the can before tagging someone.
These variations of tag help introduce new rules, increase excitement, and offer opportunities for players to be creative while still participating in the classic chase-and-tag fun.
Jump Rope
Jump rope, as a physical activity and game, has a long history that dates back to ancient Egypt, where depictions of children playing with ropes can be seen in artwork. It is believed that ropes were initially used for games in various cultures around the world, evolving into the jump rope games we know today. The modern version of jump rope became popular in the early 19th century and has since been widely enjoyed as both a solo and group activity. Historically, it was seen as an excellent way to build agility, coordination, and stamina while being a fun activity for children. In the early 1900s, jump rope gained significant traction in playgrounds, with children using it as a social game. Its popularity surged in the 1950s and 1960s when it was introduced into schools as a way to improve fitness and teamwork. Jump rope has continued to evolve, with new styles such as double dutch and speed jumping adding a competitive edge to the activity. Today, jump rope remains a favorite activity for physical education classes and playground fun, with a rich cultural legacy tied to songs, rhymes, and team-building games.
Classic Jump Rope Songs
- Cinderella, dressed in yellow
Cinderella, dressed in yellow,
Went upstairs to kiss her fellow.
Made a mistake and kissed a snake,
How many doctors will it take? - Miss Mary Mack
Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack,
All dressed in black, black, black,
With silver buttons, buttons, buttons,
All down her back, back, back. - Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, show your shoe,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, that will do. - Engine, Engine Number Nine
Engine, engine number nine,
Coming down the railroad line,
Oh, how long before she’s here?
Just a minute, have no fear. - Rockin’ Robin
Rockin’ robin, rock, rock, rockin’ robin,
Tweet, tweet, tweet,
Rockin’ robin, rock, rock, rockin’ robin,
Tweet, tweet, tweet. - Banana Split
Banana split, banana split,
One half, two halves,
Three halves, four halves,
Shake that banana. - The Ants Go Marching
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah,
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah,
The ants go marching one by one,
The little one stops to suck his thumb,
And they all go marching down, to the ground,
To get out of the rain.
These classic jump rope songs are typically sung in rhythm as children jump, adding a fun, musical element to the game. The rhymes help children maintain timing while also building memory and rhythm skills. Jump rope songs and games continue to be an integral part of children’s outdoor activities, passed down through generations.
Hand Clapping Songs
Hand clapping songs, like jump rope games, are an ancient form of play and are found in cultures around the world. The origins of hand clapping games can be traced back to traditional folk games from Europe, Africa, and the Americas, where children used their hands, feet, and voices in rhythm-based games. In many cultures, clapping was a way to create rhythm and engage in social bonding, and it often accompanied songs or chants. These games were passed down orally, with children in schools, neighborhoods, and playgrounds creating new versions and adapting lyrics over time. In the United States, hand clapping games became especially popular in the early 20th century and were often featured in African American folk traditions, as well as in children’s play in urban environments. These games also became associated with specific rhythmic chants and movements that promoted coordination, timing, and social interaction. Over the years, as clapping games spread across generations, they became iconic in playground culture, often shared during recess or social gatherings, helping children develop rhythm, communication, and cooperation.
Classic Clapping Songs
- Miss Mary Mack
“Miss Mary Mack” is one of the most well-known hand clapping games. In this song, two players clap in rhythm while repeating the song’s lyrics, with actions that include clapping their hands together and on their own body. The song is typically sung as a rhythmic chant, and players make patterns of claps that are increasingly difficult to maintain as they progress through the verses. It’s often accompanied by playful gestures, such as pretending to button up clothes or moving to the beat. - The Cup Game
The Cup Game, made famous by the song “When I’m Gone,” involves a rhythmic pattern using a cup, typically passed around in a circle. Players clap, tap the table, and flip the cup in a set pattern that synchronizes with the song. The rhythm of claps and taps helps build hand-eye coordination, while the game itself often has players performing a cooperative, fast-paced routine, challenging timing and concentration. - Sevens
The game of “Sevens” typically involves players clapping and reciting the numbers in a counting pattern while clapping in rhythm. The chant goes like this: “One, two, three, four, five, six, seven,” and continues as players go through the sequence, often trying to avoid mistakes in the clapping pattern or chanting the numbers out of order. It’s a simple but fast-paced game that helps improve timing and rhythm recognition. - Concentration
“Concentration” is a popular hand clapping game where players clap in rhythm while saying, “Concentration, concentration, concentration,” followed by a pattern or a specific theme (such as naming animals or places). The key to the game is maintaining the rhythm and concentration while speaking in sync with the hand claps. Players often have to quickly respond with a word that fits the theme, leading to increased focus and quick thinking. - Rockin’ Robin
The hand clapping version of “Rockin’ Robin” is based on the famous song by Bobby Day. In this game, two players clap in rhythm while repeating the song’s catchy lines, mimicking the bird’s “tweet-tweet” sound. The action can involve both players clapping their hands together while performing other movements like tapping their knees or shaking their bodies to the beat. This hand clapping game promotes coordination and the ability to keep up with fast-paced rhythms. - Miss Suzy
“Miss Suzy” is a hand clapping game where two players perform a rhythm while chanting the lyrics. The game includes a series of claps, taps, and sometimes slaps (on their own bodies or between the players), while singing about Miss Suzy. It’s a fun and fast-paced game that involves not only rhythmic clapping but also performing synchronized movements to match the rhythm of the chant. - Down by the Banks
“Down by the Banks” is a clapping game where players perform a rhythmic pattern while singing the lyrics. The song often involves players alternating their hands with each other and moving to a steady rhythm, while simultaneously engaging in a fun chant. In some versions, players try to avoid being tagged by the “it” player as the game progresses. It is a social and physical game that fosters teamwork and rhythm. - Roller Coaster
“Roller Coaster” is a hand clapping game where players clap in rhythm while mimicking the motions of a roller coaster ride. The chant often begins with slow, rhythmic claps that build in speed, representing the slow climb up the roller coaster followed by fast-paced claps that represent the thrilling drop. The song can include several verses, and players typically enjoy the intensity and excitement of trying to match the rhythm as it speeds up.
These hand clapping games are not only fun but also serve as tools to help children develop rhythm, coordination, concentration, and teamwork. They’re playful ways to engage with friends while enhancing both social interaction and motor skills.
Relay Races
Relay races offer a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits, making them an excellent activity for children and adults alike. These races, which involve teams passing a baton (or performing a similar action), encourage teamwork, cooperation, and strategic thinking. Physically, relay races improve cardiovascular health, endurance, coordination, and speed, as participants must sprint short distances, quickly change directions, and maintain energy throughout the race. They also promote fine motor skills and muscle coordination when passing the baton smoothly. Mentally, relay races develop focus and concentration, as each runner must time their movements perfectly to avoid errors. The team aspect of relay races fosters a strong sense of community, communication, and support, teaching participants the value of working together to achieve a common goal. The competitive nature of these races can also boost self-confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of accomplishment. Overall, relay races provide a fun and engaging way to stay active while honing physical and social skills.
10 Relay Races
- Traditional Baton Relay
Teams race in a relay, passing a baton to the next runner. The baton must be handed off smoothly without dropping it, emphasizing coordination and timing. - Three-Legged Relay
In this relay, two participants have one of their legs tied together, forcing them to work together to run and pass the baton without tripping. It helps develop balance and teamwork. - Egg-and-Spoon Relay
Players balance an egg (or a small ball) on a spoon and race to the finish line without dropping it. This version challenges coordination and focus. - Sack Race Relay
Each participant must hop to the finish line while inside a sack, and then pass the sack to the next runner. This race improves balance, agility, and lower body strength. - Wheelbarrow Relay
One team member holds the legs of another person, who walks on their hands. The runner’s strength and coordination are tested as they navigate the course. - Tug-of-War Relay
Teams compete in a traditional tug-of-war, but instead of one long, continuous pull, each member must run up to the rope, pull once, and then pass the rope to the next teammate. - Balloon Pop Relay
Participants must run to the finish line with a balloon between their legs, pop it, and pass it to the next runner. This race focuses on agility and creativity. - Hurdle Relay
Players take turns running and jumping over hurdles. The team that successfully navigates the hurdles first wins, promoting agility, leg strength, and coordination. - Dress-Up Relay
Players race to put on a set of oversized clothes (such as hats, jackets, or shoes) and then remove them before passing the baton to the next team member. This game promotes agility and coordination in a fun, silly way. - Shuttle Relay
Teams race back and forth, sprinting to a specific point and then returning to pass the baton to the next runner. This builds speed, endurance, and cardiovascular health while requiring strategic pacing.
Relay races offer a combination of fun and fitness, making them an excellent activity for team-building, school events, or simply a casual day at the park.
Card Games and Board Games
Card games and board games offer numerous benefits for elementary and middle school students, contributing to their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Cognitively, these games enhance critical thinking, problem-solving skills, strategy, and memory. Many games require players to think ahead, plan moves, and anticipate others’ actions, which sharpens decision-making abilities. Socially, card and board games encourage communication, cooperation, and turn-taking, helping children learn to follow rules, handle competition, and experience both winning and losing gracefully. These games also foster teamwork when played in groups, requiring players to collaborate and negotiate to succeed. Emotionally, playing games can boost self-confidence and resilience as students practice perseverance, adapt to setbacks, and enjoy moments of accomplishment. Additionally, card and board games provide a fun way for children to reduce stress and connect with friends and family, creating positive, engaging experiences.
10 Appropriate Card and Board Games for Elementary and Middle School Students
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- Uno
A classic card game where players match colors and numbers, Uno promotes strategy, critical thinking, and social interaction. It also teaches number recognition and color matching. - Go Fish
A simple card game that helps younger children practice memory skills as they try to match pairs of cards. It also encourages social interaction and turn-taking. - Monopoly Junior
A kid-friendly version of the classic Monopoly game, it introduces children to concepts of money management, strategy, and decision-making in a fun, competitive way. - Connect 4
A two-player strategy game where players aim to connect four discs in a row. It promotes critical thinking, planning, and spatial awareness. - The Game of Life
Players move through different life stages, making decisions about career, family, and money. The game teaches children about life choices, financial literacy, and responsibility. - Jenga
In this classic stacking game, players take turns removing wooden blocks from a tower and placing them on top without causing it to fall. Jenga improves hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and spatial reasoning. - Sorry!
This board game requires players to move pieces around the board while trying to send opponents’ pieces back to the start. It promotes strategic thinking, problem-solving, and social skills. - Apples to Apples
A fun card game where players match nouns to descriptive adjectives. It promotes creativity, verbal skills, and critical thinking while encouraging laughter and interaction. - Scrabble Junior
A version of Scrabble designed for younger players, it promotes vocabulary development, spelling skills, and strategic thinking. - Clue Junior
A simplified version of the classic mystery game, Clue Junior allows children to practice deductive reasoning, logic, and problem-solving skills as they figure out who committed the crime, where, and with what object. - Spoons
Spoons is a fast-paced, card game that involves quick reflexes, observation, and strategy. The game is played with a standard deck of cards and a group of players (ideally 4–8 players). The goal of the game is to collect four of a kind (four cards of the same rank) and then secretly grab one of the spoons placed in the center of the table. The twist is that there is one less spoon than there are players, so someone will always be left without a spoon!
- Uno
Both card and board games are excellent for children in elementary and middle school, offering an interactive and educational way to develop a range of skills while having fun!
Video Games
Over the past decade, elementary and middle school students have experienced a significant increase in screen time due to the proliferation of digital devices, online learning platforms, and social media. With the integration of technology into education and leisure, children are spending more time on tablets, computers, and smartphones than ever before. This shift has been accelerated by factors such as remote learning, digital games, and social networking, which offer engaging content but also contribute to prolonged sedentary behavior. As a result, students are increasingly exposed to digital environments that may limit their physical activity and face-to-face interactions, potentially impacting their social skills and overall physical health.
Pros of Video Games
When used thoughtfully and in moderation, video games can offer several developmental benefits for school-age children:
- Cognitive Development: Many video games require strategic thinking, spatial awareness, and problem-solving, which can help improve working memory, attention to detail, and mental flexibility. Puzzle-based and logic games can reinforce academic skills like math, reading, and critical thinking.
- Motivation and Persistence: Video games often use immediate feedback, levels, and rewards to encourage perseverance and goal-setting. This structure can motivate children to persist through challenges and develop a growth mindset.
- Hand-Eye Coordination and Fine Motor Skills: Fast-paced games can enhance visual-motor integration, which supports skills related to writing and sports.
- Social Connection: Multiplayer and cooperative games can promote collaboration and communication when children play with friends or family members, either in person or online.
- Interest in STEM: Certain games can spark interest in coding, robotics, game design, and science by introducing children to interactive simulations and creative digital tools.
Cons of Video Games
Despite these benefits, there are notable concerns related to excessive or unmonitored video game use:
- Physical Health: Extended play can contribute to sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, eye strain, and increased risk of obesity, especially if not balanced with physical activity.
- Sleep Disruption: Playing video games before bedtime or for long hours can interfere with sleep, particularly due to the stimulating content and blue light exposure from screens.
- Aggression and Desensitization: While research is mixed, some studies suggest that frequent exposure to violent or aggressive content may contribute to desensitization or increased irritability, especially in more impressionable or emotionally reactive children.
- Addiction and Time Displacement: Video games can be highly immersive and, in some cases, addictive. Excessive gaming can displace time that would otherwise be spent on homework, physical play, reading, or social interactions.
- Reduced Social Skills: For some children, especially those who rely solely on virtual communication, overuse of gaming may interfere with developing face-to-face social skills and emotional regulation.
Educational Implications
Educators and caregivers should strive to strike a healthy balance between embracing the educational potential of video games and setting appropriate boundaries. Games can be integrated into learning environments through game-based learning platforms (e.g., Kahoot, Prodigy, Minecraft Education Edition) that promote engagement and interactive learning. However, clear guidelines about screen time, content appropriateness, and the importance of offline play and interpersonal relationships are essential.
Supporting Healthy Gaming Habits
To promote a balanced approach to video game use:
- Set time limits aligned with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines.
- Encourage co-play or family gaming sessions to foster conversation and connection.
- Choose age-appropriate, non-violent games that support creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
- Promote physical activity, outdoor play, and screen-free time.
- Use gaming as a conversation starter for topics like emotional regulation, fairness, frustration tolerance, and digital citizenship.
The consequences of increased screen time among young students are multifaceted. Physically, excessive screen exposure is linked to issues such as eye strain, poor posture, and a higher risk of obesity due to reduced physical activity. Mentally and emotionally, prolonged screen time can contribute to decreased attention spans, difficulties in concentrating, and increased risks of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the quality of sleep may suffer, as exposure to blue light from screens disrupts natural circadian rhythms. These negative outcomes underscore the importance of balanced technology use, encouraging scheduled breaks, and promoting alternative activities that foster physical movement and in-person social interactions.
Games Engage Students
Adapting classic games to match learning goals is an effective way to engage students while promoting educational outcomes. By modifying the rules, objectives, or structure of well-known games, educators can align them with specific learning objectives such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, or even subject-specific knowledge like math, language, or science. For example, a game like Simon Says can be adapted to reinforce listening skills and following directions, while also incorporating academic content like spelling or math facts. Similarly, games like tag or relay races can be modified to encourage physical fitness and coordination while integrating concepts like measurement or geography. These adaptations not only make learning more interactive and fun, but they also foster the development of various skills in a dynamic and engaging environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, classic games—ranging from tag and jump rope to hand clapping songs, relay races, and board games—play a vital role in fostering the physical, cognitive, and social development of elementary and middle school students. These games not only enhance gross and fine motor skills, encourage strategic thinking and problem-solving, and promote teamwork and communication, but they also offer opportunities for adapting traditional play into engaging educational experiences. As digital screen time increases, integrating and adapting these timeless activities into learning environments becomes even more crucial, helping to counteract sedentary behaviors while reinforcing academic and life skills. Ultimately, by preserving and modifying classic games, educators and caregivers can create dynamic, inclusive experiences that support well-rounded development and lifelong learning.
References
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