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What games do you play with your daycare children? My kids are 2 and early 3's. I'm thinking games like, duck duck goose or musical chairs but they don't quite seem to get it yet. Any ideas? I know others have said to use enough chairs so that they all end up with a chair, any other ideas? It's hard for me because I have always been the person who likes to do things right, but at this age we have to bend a little and not be so perfect. ideas on what to do? ideas on other games?
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My kids love hide-and-go seek and Hungry Hippos (although you have to watch the younger ones as they sometimes put the marbles in their mouths). In the end, we always end up playing chase where I am the monster. I usually will chase them into a hiding spot and then I run off and go hide. We play it all the time. -
London Bridge?Comment
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Our games for younger
Leap frog over a big stuffed bear
Twister. Stand on red sit on blue. Your head on green. Of course not all at the same time and no left or right.
Running races. 1.2.3. Go
London bridge as long as the don't run
Parachute play
Ring around the Rosie
Two people row row your boat. Kids live this one.
Pass the ball. Like hot potato but at their own speed.
Simple Simon. It's Simone says without saying Simone says before your words.
Dice and jump. Buy large styrofoam dice with dots and numbers. Let each child take turn being the roller. Jump, clap, stomp, the number in the dice. Tell them the number and show then the dots and written number then jump, clap and etc.
We play a version of clothes pen in a bottle.
Modified of course.
I have a small stool like one you use at the sink
I place the kids on it when at a time. I give them toy plastic bears and they balance and try to drop them in a plastic jar. It's so much fun.
My youngest is 20 months and he can do all of the games listed above.Comment
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We play
parachute
Ring Around the Rosie
Doggy Doggy Where's You Bone?
Red Light Green Light
Tag
Mother May I?
Mr. Fox, what time is it?
Duck Duck Goose
We also do a variation of musical chairs called African Frogs. Instead of chairs use lily pads carpet squares. Start with one square per frog (the children). Play music. When the music stops each child must be on a square or they get gobbles by the crocodile. BUT, every round the crocodile (you) takes a square away. The difference is that instead of having someone not get a square, the children must figure out how all of the frogs can be safe. They get creative with sharing a squares and figuring out how to fit multiple friends on a square.
As far as board games we like the classics but I always twist them so that they are cooperation instead of competition based. For example, if we play Candy Land we use one marker and it is our goal to collectively get to the end.
I also make a lot of games.Comment
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We also do a variation of musical chairs called African Frogs. Instead of chairs use lily pads carpet squares. Start with one square per frog (the children). Play music. When the music stops each child must be on a square or they get gobbles by the crocodile. BUT, every round the crocodile (you) takes a square away. The difference is that instead of having someone not get a square, the children must figure out how all of the frogs can be safe. They get creative with sharing a squares and figuring out how to fit multiple friends on a square.
this sounds sooooo cute... I want to go play it now...
OH and another favorite for my 4 year olds is memory...We use a deck of children cards and the actual game. I even do letters with it too.Comment
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Mommy Froggy -
Take a blue blanket or towel and lie it on the floor. Place a toy frog or picture of a frog on top. Place pillows or towels to form a little trail to the pond (I use frisbees because I have about 10 of them). Have the kids wait in line and sing Mommy froggy is in her pond, she is waiting, she is waiting, Mommy froggy is in her pond and she is waiting for _________(child's name)! Have the named child hop like a frog on the lily pads you set out until they get to the pond.
Crocodile Hunter-
Place towels or mats on the floor (I use the pieces from my puzzle mat). Play some music and have the children walk around the mats in a circle. When the music stops the Crocodile attacks
You play the crocodile and chase the kids. They have to get on a mat in order to be safe. They love this game!
Obstacle Course-
Set up different stations and have the children all take turns doing each station.
Sommersault station, jump on one foot station, throw a ball into a basket station, crawl under a table station, walk a tight rope station (Skipping rope on the floor)....etc.
Campers and the Bear-
Build some tents out of blankets and chairs and have the children get inside.
Growl like a bear and sneak up on the tent. Lift the Blanket and pretend to be a bear. They will all run like crazy and laugh. Then tell them it is safe to go back to bed and do it all over again. My kids LOVE this game....even though it may traumatize them about the notion of camping
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Laundry basket toss -
Set out some laundry baskets and rolled up socks (or balls). Have the kids take turns tossing the balls into the baskets. I set up 3 different basket stations and have them race to see who can get all their socks or balls into the basket first.
The key to the 2-3 crowd is simplicity and repetition. They will want to do the same thing over and over and over and over again....way after it has gotten really old for us
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