Recess is an essential part of the school day for kindergarten students. It gives them a chance to run around, play, and have fun with their friends. However, it can be challenging to come up with new and exciting games for them to play every day. In this article, we’ll explore some fun recess games for kindergarten that are sure to keep them entertained.
1. Red Light, Green Light
Red Light, Green Light is a classic game that is easy to play and perfect for kindergarten students. One student is chosen to be “it,” and the rest of the students line up behind them. The student who is “it” turns around and says “green light,” and the other students start moving towards them. When they say “red light,” the other students have to stop moving. The student who reaches “it” first becomes the new “it.”
2. Duck, Duck, Goose
Duck, Duck, Goose is another classic game that kindergarten students love. The students sit in a circle, and one student is chosen to be “it.” They walk around the circle, tapping each student on the head, saying “duck” each time. When they say “goose,” the student they tapped has to get up and chase them around the circle. If they catch “it,” they become the new “it.”
3. Simon Says
Simon Says is a game that helps with listening skills and following directions. One student is chosen to be “Simon,” and they give commands that start with “Simon says.” For example, “Simon says touch your toes.” The other students have to follow the commands, but only if “Simon says” is at the beginning of the command. If they do something without “Simon says,” they are out of the game.
4. Four Square
Four Square is a game that can be played with a ball and a square drawn on the ground. The square is divided into four smaller squares, and each student stands in one of the squares. The student in the fourth square serves the ball to one of the other squares, and they have to hit it back. If the ball goes out of bounds or bounces more than once in a square, the student is out, and the other students move up a square.
5. Freeze Tag
Freeze Tag is a game that involves tagging other students and freezing them in place. One student is chosen to be “it,” and they have to chase the other students. When they tag a student, that student has to freeze in place until another student unfreezes them by crawling through their legs. The game continues until all of the students are frozen, and the last student unfrozen becomes the new “it.”
6. Hot Potato
Hot Potato is a game that involves passing an object around a circle of students. One student starts with the object, and they have to pass it to the student next to them before a timer goes off. The timer is set randomly, and whoever is holding the object when it goes off is out. The game continues until there is only one student left.
7. Hopscotch
Hopscotch is a game that involves jumping and balancing skills. A hopscotch grid is drawn on the ground, and the students take turns throwing a stone or beanbag onto one of the squares. They then have to hop through the grid, skipping the square with the stone or beanbag. If they make it through all of the squares without stepping on the wrong one or losing their balance, they pick up the stone or beanbag and throw it onto the next square.
8. Tug of War
Tug of War is a game that involves teamwork and strength. Two teams are formed, and they stand on opposite sides of a rope. The goal is to pull the other team across a line in the middle of the field. The team with the most players on the other side of the line when the game is over wins.
9. Hula Hoop Contest
A Hula Hoop Contest is a game that involves coordination and balance. Each student is given a hula hoop, and they have to try to keep it spinning around their waist for as long as possible. The student who can keep their hula hoop spinning the longest is the winner.
10. Soccer
Soccer is a game that involves teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship. A soccer ball is used, and the students are divided into two teams. The goal is to kick the ball into the other team’s goal while defending your own goal. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
These are just a few fun recess games for kindergarten students. They are easy to play, require minimal equipment, and are sure to keep your students entertained and engaged. Try introducing some of these games into your recess routine and watch your students have a blast!