'What's the time Mr Wolf?'

Lunch time!!

Today, whilst on an excursion to the zoo, we stumbled upon a beautiful bit of outdoor space in our search for a spot to sit for lunch. A patch of grass, dappled shade, trees, shrubs - just perfect for a game of 'What's the time Mr Wolf".

My Preschooler had a turn at being the Wolf first. Counting is a really big 'thing' right now. 13 was the call - so she only had a couple of calls before I was right upon her. When I was close enough, I snatched the hat and ran back to base (which was the stroller). Not bad since I had my toddler in my arms.

When it was my turn (with the toddler still in my arms) I included my toddler into the game by holding up his fingers to represent the time ie. number of steps to be taken. Since the numbers we chose were small, we had several calls to make. At the call of lunchtime, we chased the Preschooler back to base - safe to play another time.
 
 It does not take long for the enthusiastic to learn the strategy and rules of the game. The wolf lures the participants close enough to him so that he can call out 'lunchtime' and catch someone. The participants tries to get as close to the wolf as possible to steal his 'treasure' (in my case, it was the hat - but a ball or scarf tucked into the pants would be safer) and return to the safety of the 'base' - usually a line (or in my case, the stroller).

Lots of fun.

This game is so perfect for Preschoolers as it involves few rules, counting, singing, estimating space, strategic thinking, anticipation, developing reaction time, agility - gleefulness. Having a turn at being the Wolf also builds self esteem.

I usually play this game with larger groups but as I found out today, it worked with just the three of us.

And now, it is bed time.

Do This, Don't do That!

A Game for listening and following directions.

Face your Preschooler(s). The idea is for them to follow your lead and copy your actions...ie. touch your elbows, shoulders, hands in the air etc and as you are doing these actions, say "Do this".

But they are not to do the actions that accompany the words "Do That". So it would go like this: "Do This" (touch your nose), "Do This" (touch your shoulders), "Do This" (touch your elbows), "Do This" (touch your hips), "Do This"(touch your ears), "Do That - (touch your head)..at which point the Preschooler should not move and have their hands still on their ears.

Initially, use a comfortable pace and increase it accordingly. Good for groups of children of various ages.

As for all games, quit - preferably - before any signs of the little-ones being 'over' the game...keep it fun to return to play another day.