Make Your Own Games
Sometimes children get the most satisfaction from a game which
they have made themselves - whether it be a simple board game invented with
their own rules, to a full scale beanbag toss game which can be used for years.
We have lots of ideas for "Make your own games" here.
When you start the kids off making their own game, try to step
back a bit if you can and let them lead with their imagination if at all
possible. The ideas and rules they come up with might not be conventional, but
they will enjoy the game all the more and learn more from the experience if you
give them at least some free rein!
Japanese otedama NEW!
These fabric beanbags used to be sewn by grandmothers from silk kimono
scraps, and are used for juggling games and skill games similar to jacks
and knucklebones. An easy sewing project which makes a lovely game or
gift idea. We also have some Otedama games
Counting Jars Game
NEW!
Children can make this game for a younger sibling, to help them learn to count -
they'll have fun assembling the containers and objects.
Design a Simple Board Game
Kids can have great fun making their own board game and inventing the
rules to go with it.
Beanbag
Tossing Game
This is an excellent project for keeping the kids busy for an afternoon - and
also useful for fetes and fairs.
Catching Seven Pieces
Originally played with small inch-square rice bags, this traditional Chinese
game is similar to Jacks and Knucklebones and can be played with either, or even
a collection of pebbles, if you don't want to make your own "pieces".
Christmas Card Jigsaw Game
Perfect for setting the mood before Christmas, this game can be added to and
brought out year after year. Of course you could use birthday cards too.
Fishing (Tiu-u or Chinese Dominoes)
This game of Chinese dominoes sounds a little complicated to begin
with but is in fact very simple to play. The name ‘fishing’ comes from the idea
that players ‘fish’ for matching dominoes. You can either print out our dominoes
or make your own more authentic version with popsicle sticks (instructions
included!)
Indoor Golf Game
All you need is a children's golf set and some empty juice cartons to make this
fun indoor golf game.
Marble Drop
There are many ways that children can play with marbles. This one involves a bit
of "making" first, which adds to the fun and keeps the kids busy for longer.
Make A Ping Pong Bat And Net
The Chinese introduced table tennis to the world and have always been extremely
good at the sport. You can make your own ping pong bats and net and have a go!
Skittles
Both a recycling craft and a game - the perfect antidote to "bored" children!
Shuttlecock Games
The shuttlecock - a flying object made out of feathers, known to most of us
through badminton, has been used traditionally in kicking games of skill in
China. Includes a craft idea to make
your own shuttlecock.
Make Your Own Tiddlywinks Golf Course
This tiddlywinks golf game can be adapted for all ages and built upon
by older kids using their imaginations - and playing the game can keep them busy
for hours! Another advantage is that it can be stored away in very little space.
Throwing The Square
Throwing The Square is a traditional Chinese game which can be played with two
players or teams, indoors or out. We have ideas here to make your own portable
felt version so that you can play again and again.
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