Inside Group Games for Kids

Musical Chairs

• Musical chairs is a children&'s group activity that has been keeping kids entertained for decades. Assemble a group of children in an open area, and using one fewer chair than the number of participating kids, arrange a group of chairs in a circle formation in the center of the room. Have children walk, skip or dance around the chairs in a continuous motion while playing child-appropriate music. Stop the music after about 30 seconds. During the silent period children must scurry to find a chair to sit in. The child left standing when all seats have been claimed is removed from the round. Remove one chair and continue the game, repeating the process until one child is left to become the winner.

The Alphabet Back Game

• The Alphabet Back game is a group activity that is most appropriate for elementary or middle school children but can be played by kids of all ages. Separate the group into sets of pairs, and call on one participant from a selected pair to come to the front of the group. Using a pen and pad of paper, secretly write any random letter of the alphabet down and hand it to the player. The player must silently approach his partner and trace the shape of the letter on her back. If she guesses what letter has been traced, the pair receives one point. If she is incorrect, the next pair must attempt the same objective. Continue the steps, changing letters as points are earned until a winning pair is established.

Part of the Family Game

• Part of the Family is a group game that encourages manners and appreciation of peers and co-workers. Give each player a pen or pencil and large sheet of paper and have him write his name across the top. Collect the papers and redistribute them, making sure no player receives his own paper. Allow the participants 45 seconds to write down one reason why their peer should remain "part of the family." Compliments or words of encouragement such as "because you have a great personality" or "you are talented at drawing" are appropriate types of entries. Once the 45 seconds have elapsed, have players exchange papers, being sure no one receives his own, and continue until all players have exchanged pleasantries.