Notes

All the suggestions for games in this lesson pack have been taken from a number of books available for hire or purchase from the Developmental Education Project, 801 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2QR. Tel. 0161-445 2495. The books are:

• Let's Play Together Mildred Masheder Green Print
• Everyone Wins! Sambhava and Josette Luvmour New Society
• Co-operative Games Clive Baulch et al. Peace Pledge Union

Your choice of co-operative games/ activities will depend on the size and interests of your class. The books above are full of suggestions, a brief sample of which I have listed below.

Parachute games

These are popular with all ages. For schools which do not have their own parachute, these can be hired from play resource centres, etc.

Tangles

Everyone in a circle shuts their eyes and stretches out their hands to grasp other people's. Then they can open their eyes and manage to unravel themselves without letting go of hands. Some swivelling of hands is allowed. Two players could be used to supervise the unravelling.

Tossing the balloons

In a circle try to keep a balloon in the air, then add another one and a third. Players must not have two consecutive touches of the same balloon. Vary restrictions on players - must remain seated, lying on backs, using only elbows etc.

Four up

Sit in a circle in silence. Anyone stands up when they want to, but cannot remain standing for longer than five seconds. Aim of the game is to have exactly four standing at one time. Vary number standing or time limit.

Count up

Sit in a circle. Anyone speaks when they want to, but two people must not speak at once. Aim of the game is for group to count from 1 to 20 in order. No other words to be spoken. If two players speak at once, return to 1. Going round the circle is considered to be cheating.

Chair Balance

A group of eight children, each with own chair, forms a queue. First person stands on chair. The second person gives chair to first who puts it ahead of own. Second person steps onto first person's chair in order to get to own chair. Third person's chair is passed along and set down at head of line. Third person makes way to own chair by stepping along chairs of first and second. Activity continues until all everyone is standing on own chair in a new line with first person at the back. Do not play on slippy surface.