Let’s get physical... Traditional Street Games
When I introduced hopscotch to my local youth group I expected the children to quickly get bored but they didn’t. This simple game tested the children’s ability to communicate, resolve problems, score, play fairly, challenge themselves and others, apply common sense, obey the rules set but more importantly exercise outside.
We all know that regular exercise is hugely beneficial both mentally and physically. Did you know that 73% of young children claim to be better behaved in PE than any other lesson simply because they enjoy it? A typical day can often consist of endless to-do lists, school runs, taxi service and a little stress. If you can spare 10 minutes I’d like you to sit down, relax and think about your childhood and the games you played with your friends.
The following morning, I introduced hopscotch to the children at my local school. Although they had this game marked out on their playground no one had taught them the rules. Within 5 minutes there was a real buzz with a huge crowd watching the players and asking if they could have a go. The children thought this was a new game and I felt quite sad that this wonderful game was slowly disappearing. I’m all for moving forward in a modern world but I honestly believe there is still room for some of the wonderful games and activities from our bygone years. What’s your view on this?
Did your neighbourhood have a real buzz? Did you and your friends decide what to play? Did you set the craze for that week e.g. hopscotch, marbles, rounders, jacks, bulldog, roller skates or cycling? I hope you imagined hot summer nights with lots of friends, staying out late with little or no parental supervision. I don’t honestly believe that the “good old days” were genuinely all good. There was room for improvement back in the day, and there’s always room for improvement now.
In my last article I showed you how to play the snail trail so this time I thought I would reintroduce the rules for hopscotch and add in a few variations to make it more interesting once you grasp the basic principles of this fabulous street game.
Did I learn more through my childhood experiences? I don’t know, all I can say is that it taught me to;
Hopscotch
> Put myself out there > Be patient as I waited for my friends to
The benefits include increased physical activity, body control, balance, and strengthened hand and eye coordination.
finish their tea
> Run in meadows, swim in streams, laugh
Outline your court using chalk or paint with natural products e.g. spices/turmeric.
with friends, be seen and make myself heard
> Make my own decisions about how I filled
Basic Rules
my day
The first player throws a stone, bean bag, bottle top or other small object which should land in square one. If it lands outside the square, in the wrong square or on a line the player loses their turn.
> Get dirty and be able to cope with things when they didn’t go my way
> Deal with a bit of rough and tumble without arnica, tears, tantrums and tiaras
The player hops on one foot into the first empty square and keeps going from there using both feet in the pairs section (4,5 and 7,8). DO NOT hop into the square your marker is on. Hop all the way to the end of the court and then back again. When you get to the square with your rock in it, pick it up (while still on one foot) and
Have we lost the ability to freestyle in this commercial new world with structured sessions pre- planned and booked for months in advance e.g. Karate Class on Monday, Swimming Lessons on Tuesday, Music on Wednesday, Dance on Thursday etc? 20
