6 Social Distancing Games Kids Can Play
Antoinette Steyn • July 9, 2020
Just because kids need to keep a safe distance from one another does not mean that they can’t still have fun. Here are a few examples of fun lockdown games kids can play:
1. Catch My Shadow
In this simple game, kids can chase each other’s shadows. They are not allowed to touch one another. The person who starts the game must catch another player by stepping on the shadow head of the other person. As soon as they step onto the shadow of someone else’s head, that person becomes the next chaser.
2. Self-regulation Stretches
Use different animals or insects as an example of the type of stretches which kids can do. They can do these stretches while standing at least 1.5m apart outside or while standing at their desks in class. Do each stretching exercise for 30 seconds and allow a pause of 15 seconds between each stretch type.
- Crazy cricket hops
Hop back and forth like a cricket while flapping your elbows like little wings; - Uncle Elephant march
March on the spot with heavy feet, lift your knees up high. - Giddy Giraffe Gallops
Gallop on the sport like a giraffe while stretching out your long neck - Manic Monkey Bounces
Bend down low and jump up in the air while alternating your feet. - Fancy Flamingo Flaps
Stretch out your arms like big wings and balance on one leg. Stand like that for 10 seconds and then switch to your other leg.
3. The Senses Game
During this game you can sit on one spot and name the following:
- 5 Things you can smell
- 5 things you can see
- 5 Things you can touch
- 5 Sounds you can hear
4. Simon Says
This golden oldie can be dusted off and used again. One person gives the instructions and the rest has to follow. The person who gives the instructions simply says: “Simon says… e.g. put your hands on your head”. The person who completes the action the quickest gets to give the next instruction.
5. Charades Fun
Play a charades game by allowing each child to stand in front of a group and act out something. The first person who can guess what the other person is acting out can go next. You can also take turns and give everyone a chance to act something out. You can limit the things that can be acted out to the following topics:
- Emotions; (Using emotions as an example can be even more fun while kids have to wear their masks)
- Social Distancing & keeping clean rules;
- Movies;
6. Noodle Tag
Each child can use a pool noodle to play “tag” with. The rules are the same as any other “tag” game. The only difference is that instead of touching someone with your hand, you need to use your pool noodle to touch them.
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