Week 4: What do I need to play games?

Weekly Focus

Children explore the materials, rules, and skills needed to play different games. They investigate how forces like pushing and pulling are used in games, and develop an understanding of good sportsmanship and fair play.

Week at a Glance

Identify materials needed for different games
Understand the importance of rules in games
Explore forces (pushing and pulling) in games
Develop good sportsmanship and fair play

Kindergarten students exploring game materials

Weekly Overview

Theme

What do I need to play games?

Focus Areas

Game materials
Rules and instructions
Forces and motion
Fair play

Key Vocabulary

materialsrulesinstructionspushpullforcefairequipmentdirectionssportsmanship

Exploring Game Materials

Create a 'game materials exploration center' where students can investigate different items used in games (balls, dice, cards, game pieces, etc.). Encourage students to sort, classify, and discuss how these materials are used in different games. This hands-on exploration helps children understand the connection between materials and game play.

Daily Plans

Monday: Game Materials

Daily schedule and activities

Morning Activity

Morning Circle: Discuss what materials are needed for different games

Literacy Focus

Read 'Play Ball' by Nancy Noel Williams

Math Focus

Sort and classify different game materials

Afternoon Activity

Explore a variety of game materials at centers

Materials Needed

Play Ball book
Various game materials
Sorting mats
Labels
Game material picture cards

Assessment Notes

Observe students' ability to identify and categorize materials needed for different types of games.

Featured Activities

Ramp and Roll

Students experiment with different ramps and objects to explore how pushing forces affect movement in games.

Duration

30 minutes

Materials

Cardboard ramps
Blocks for elevation
Various balls
Toy cars
Recording sheets

Learning Areas

Science

Force and Motion

Prediction Skills

Game Materials Mystery Bag

Students reach into a mystery bag, feel an object used in games, describe it, and guess what it is before revealing it.

Duration

20 minutes

Materials

Cloth bags
Various game materials
Description cards
Game matching cards

Learning Areas

Sensory Exploration

Descriptive Language

Critical Thinking

Rules Charades

Students act out following or breaking game rules while others guess which rule is being demonstrated.

Duration

25 minutes

Materials

Rule picture cards
Simple props
Open space

Learning Areas

Social Skills

Rule Comprehension

Dramatic Play

Board Game Design

Students create simple board games with a start, finish, and obstacles, focusing on the materials needed and basic rules.

Duration

45 minutes

Materials

Game board templates
Markers
Game pieces
Dice
Small boxes for storage

Learning Areas

Creativity

Spatial Planning

Rule Creation

Fostering Positive Social Interactions

Use games as opportunities to teach and reinforce positive social skills. Before playing games, review expectations for behavior such as taking turns, using kind words, and being a good sport. After playing, have students reflect on how well they worked together. Recognize and praise examples of good teamwork and cooperation you observe during game play.

Resources

Books

"Play Ball" by Nancy Noel Williams
"Newton and Me" by Lynne Mayer
"Franklin Plays the Game" by Paulette Bourgeois
"The Berenstain Bears Play Fair" by Stan and Jan Berenstain
"Rules of the Game" by Lenny Hort

Printables

Game materials sorting cards
Simple game board templates
Push and pull recording sheets
Game rules visual cards
Game creation planning sheets

Home Connection

Send home a simple game kit with instructions for families to create and play a game together using common household materials. Include a reflection sheet for students to share what materials they used and rules they created.

Previous Week: Where do I play games?Next Week: How can I get better at playing games?