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Chapters include why the “work” of
children is play and the value of these
activities. The author comments, “The
children will scrape knees and elbows
with some regularity. They will laugh
and play, argue and negotiate” among
themselves (p. 8). These experiences
during play are precursors to getting
along with others and developing into
successful adults.
Memories of playing these games
came to mind as I read the book
and remembered the schoolyards
and backyards where these games
took place for me. As a teacher of
kindergarten through Grade 3, I
remember introducing some of the
games to my students during recess and
having the joy of playing once again!
Tag was always a favorite and did not
require extra equipment or setup. As
a teacher, I would put on my tennis
shoes and play with the children on the
playground. It brought laughter and joy
to be outside running and playing with
each other. Kneeling to play marbles
on the concrete sidewalks using chalk
or on smooth dirt areas using a stick to
draw circles was an opportunity to get
down to the child’s level and let him
or her take the lead in the play while
I followed along. Asking children to
take the lead in providing rules and
directions strengthens their leadership
skills and builds respect and trust.
Educators can use these games to
promote opportunities to socialize, explore, allow children to communicate with
each other, and “allow children to be children.” The games also promote cognitive,
social, and emotional development skills for children. They provide a means for
children to exert energy as well as develop gross motor skills. Young children have
lots of energy, and they like “to run.”
The author provides many types of games and includes rules and directions
for setup and play. She prefaces some games with the history of how the game
was developed. She includes a chapter on building special secret places, forts, and
playhouses that can lead to collaborative or independent play. In these activities,
children have the opportunity to use their imaginations and creativity, strengthen
their leadership skills, and reinforce their values. They pretend to be cooks, teachers,
doctors, and pirates. Many pretend to be superheroes with towels around their
shoulders as capes. All they need is space and time and the opportunity to be creative

Educators’ Choice 69