Play a rhyme game.
Child development opportunities
* To gain better control of touch movements
* To match touch movements to rhyme
* To develop powers of observation
* To have fun How to play
* Explain to the children that they are going to play a rhyme game.
* One child kneels on all fours in the centre of the circle, like a dog or cat, and shuts their eyes.
* The other children stand in a circle around the child.
* One child pats and strokes the back of the child in the middle while saying: Pat the dog Stroke the cat
* The rest of the children join in and say: Can you guess Who was that?
* The child in the middle tries to guess who patted their back. If they guess correctly, they remain in the middle. If they guess wrongly, the child who patted their back goes in the middle.
Tips
* Once the children have good control using their writing hand, let them try using their other hand.
* As the game progresses, explain about disguising your voice and different types of touch.
* Make sure that each child has a turn in the middle.
* Make sure the game remains a fun activity.
* Suggest that it can be played in the playground in smaller groups.
For more games, see Acker Backa BOO! - Games to say and play from around the world, by Opal Dunn (Frances Lincoln, 10.99).
) Opal Dunn. The author disclaims responsibility for any adverse effects resulting directly or indirectly from the game outlined.
Reader offer
We have five copies of Acker Backa BOO! by Opal Dunn (Frances Lincoln, Pounds 5.99) to give away to Nursery World readers. Send your name and address on the back of a postcard or envelope, marked Acker Backa BOO!, to the address on page 3. Winners will be the first five names drawn on 8 May.