Week 2: Who do I play games with?
Weekly Focus
Children explore the social aspects of games, learning about playing with family, friends, and classmates. They develop an understanding of teamwork, cooperation, and how behavior affects others during game play.
Week at a Glance
- Identify different people to play games with
- Develop teamwork and cooperation skills
- Understand how behavior affects others
- Practice responsible caring behavior in play
Weekly Overview
Theme
Who do I play games with?
Focus Areas
- Social interactions
- Teamwork
- Cooperation
- Fair play
Key Vocabulary
Fostering Positive Social Interactions
Daily Plans
Monday: Playing Games with Friends
Daily schedule and activities
Morning Activity
Morning Circle: Discuss who we play games with and create a list
Literacy Focus
Read 'Play With Me' by Michelle Lee
Math Focus
Create a graph showing who students play games with most often
Afternoon Activity
Partner games: Students practice playing simple games with a partner
Materials Needed
- Play With Me book
- Chart paper
- Graphing materials
- Simple partner games
- Game materials
Assessment Notes
Observe students' ability to work cooperatively with a partner and take turns during game play.
Featured Activities
Cooperative Musical Chairs
A variation of musical chairs where no one is eliminated. Instead, when the music stops, everyone must find a seat, with children sharing chairs as they are removed.
Duration
20 minutes
Materials
- Chairs
- Music player
- Open space
Learning Areas
Team Puzzle Challenge
Students work in small teams to complete a puzzle, practicing communication and cooperation to achieve a shared goal.
Duration
30 minutes
Materials
- Simple puzzles
- Team identification markers
- Timer (optional)
Learning Areas
Friendship Game Mural
Students create a large mural depicting themselves playing games with friends, focusing on positive interactions and inclusion.
Duration
45 minutes
Materials
- Large paper
- Paint
- Markers
- Collage materials
- Photos of students playing together
Learning Areas
Pass the Ball Game
Students sit in a circle and pass a ball while music plays. When the music stops, the student holding the ball shares something about a game they like to play with friends or family.
Duration
15 minutes
Materials
- Ball
- Music player
- Open space for circle
Learning Areas
Including All Students
Resources
Books
- "Play With Me" by Michelle Lee
- "Can I Play Too?" by Mo Willems
- "Children Around the World" by Donata Montanari
- "Should I Share My Ice Cream?" by Mo Willems
- "A Little Spot of Teamwork" by Diane Alber
Printables
- Good sportsmanship visual cards
- Team role cards
- "Who I Play With" graphing activity
- Cooperative game instruction cards
- Games from around the world information sheets
Home Connection
Send home a family activity sheet that encourages families to share traditional games from their culture or family history. Invite family members to visit the classroom to teach a game from their childhood.