This is a
brilliant starter game for children, who enjoy the rhythm (once they get the
hang of it) and the silliness of it all. It is one game that even the youngest
child doesn't seem to mind losing, which makes it a real winner!
Number of Players:
3+ (and up to 13 using one pack of cards)
Age Range:
6+
Cards:
Standard 52-card deck
Instructions:
For each player, take four of a kind out of the deck and put aside the rest of
the cards. If you are playing with younger children, try to make sure that the
cards are as different from each other as possible. For example, if you were
playing with 3 players you might choose the 4s, 8s and Queens. Shuffle your
chosen cards well.
Deal the cards so that each player has four. Now each player looks at their hand
and sorts the cards out. The aim of the game is to collect four of a kind, at
which point you quickly, and quietly, put a finger on your nose. If you see
another player put a finger on their nose, you must do so too (regardless of
whether you have 4 of a kind or not). The last player to put a finger on their
nose gets a letter - first P, then I, then G.
To play, choose which cards you want to collect then choose a
card to discard and put it, face down, on the table in front of you. When
everyone has a card on the table, simultaneously pass your card to the player on
your left and then pick up the card which has been passed to you. Try to
establish a rhythm - it can help if an adult says "down - pass - pick up, down -
pass - pick up" to keep everyone going!
The first player to reach "P-I-G" is the loser. If you want a
longer game, try playing with D-O-N-K-E-Y instead.
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!
Make A Name Book
More of a craft activity than a game, this is a great way for kids to get to
know each other at the beginning of the school year.
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!)
Matching Game cards can be used to play Memory
(Concentration), Go Fish and many other card games, as well as played with
our sorting mats by one child on their own. Printable Games
