* To quicken finger movements.
* To combine numbers with movements.
* To get used to counting backwards.
* To have fun.
How to play
* Children stand in a circle facing inwards.
* One player stands in the middle and selects someone to start the game.
* This child holds up ten fingers and says 'ten'.
* The next child on the right holds up nine fingers and says 'nine'.
* The next child on the right holds up eight fingers and says 'eight'.
* The game continues like this to number three.
* Then the next child holds up two fingers and as she says 'two', spins around and runs around the outside of the circle and back to her place.
* As she says two, the child in the middle shouts 'Out goes you' and runs after the other child and tries to catch her before she gets back to her place.
* If she catches her, she takes her place. If not, she remains in the middle for another turn.
* The game then starts again at ten, with the child in the middle selecting a new player.
Tips
* At first, count together with the children in order to control the speed.
* Gradually increase the speed as children get used to moving their fingers.
* Boys may find moving their fingers more difficult than girls.
For more games, see Acker Backa BOO! - Games to Say and Play From Around the World by Opal Dunn (Frances Lincoln, 10.99)
(c) Opal Dunn. The author disclaims responsibility for any adverse effects resulting directly or indirectly from the game outlined.