Child development opportunities
To listen carefully and respond to a rhythm To increase colour, number and social awareness To learn how to share and co-operate with others
To begin to learn how games can be used to make decisions
How to play
* Explain that the group is going to say a rhyme to decide which child is going to drop out in selecting a leader.
* Ask the children to sit facing each other or to stand in a circle.
* Say the rhyme marking the beats by pointing at each child in turn.
Red, white and blue,
The cat's got the flu,
The baby's got the chicken pox
And out goes YOU!
* Say the last line even more slowly to add suspense and signal on the final YOU that the child is out.
* If there are more than two children, repeat the rhyme until one remains.
* Find a place where those who are out can watch and remain involved.
Tips
* Explain there is no negotiation. It is only a game: the decision is made by the rhyme!
* At first it is easier to play in pairs.
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.