Fun Playground Games for KS1 Children
KS1 (key stage one) children are between the ages of 5 and 7 that usually have an hour-long break during their lunchtime at school. We’ve listed some fun games that they may find interesting and entertaining to play during this time, during lessons or outside school.
Playground games are a very good way for children to get some physical activity and to improve many important skills that may prove extremely useful for classroom activities and for later in life overall. It is extremely important for kids to be outside and to be active, especially nowadays when it’s very easy to spend the day sitting playing on devices at home all day long.
So let us introduce you, or even reintroduce you, to some fun games that all children love to play!
Please, Mr. Crocodile
Who said crocodiles can only be found far away in the water? Please, Mr. Crocodile is a particularly entertaining game that is loved by children of all ages. Often played by children over the age of four, this game teaches children patience, self-awareness and improves their agility.
It is also very easy to play! To start, choose one child to be the crocodile. Then the other children have to stay together in a row away from the crocodile. The children then have to ask Mr. Crocodile if they can cross his golden river and he decides on the terms for this to happen.
An example gameplay would be:
A child in the row: Please, Mr. Crocodile, can we cross your golden river?
Mr. Crocodile: Only if you are wearing something green.
The children that match the crocodile’s conditions can step away to safety and the others have to run and try to save themselves from the crocodile’s snaps. If the crocodile gets you – you are eaten and out. The child who reaches Mr. Crocodile and survives without being eaten is the winner and the next crocodile.
Simon Says
A game that never gets old and can be played by lots of children for as long as they want is the classic, Simon Says. One child is chosen to be Simon and the others have to follow his instructions. It is a great game to teach children patience, group play and listening.
The rules are simple and the game is easy to play. There is just one little catch, if the child who plays Simon gives instructions without saying “Simon says” the children who followed the instructions are out of the game. Whoever stands last is the winner and the next Simon!
Why not use our Mirror Me or Dance with Me playground markings to assist with this game?
Hopscotch
A game that we have all played at least once and most children (and even some adults) absolutely adore! Hopscotch is a game that can usually only be played by one person at a time but is a great way to teach children their numbers, improve their balance and coordination. Luckily, we have a range of different Hopscotch variations to allow children to play together, such as our 3-Way and 4-Way Hopscotches.
Hopscotch is a diagram game that traditionally was drawn on with chalk, but now can be bought as a playground marking. It’s pretty fun and easy to play! Generally, children have to hop with one foot on the single square and then land with two feet on the double square. Though you can adapt this game to make it more interesting! Try throwing a small stone onto one of the squares and then jump on the pattern while skipping the square with the stone on it.
Engaging, fun and simple. All these games are great for the lunch break that KS1 children get during school and are also pretty easy to be recreated even outside of school to keep active. Let children hop on the fun and have an amazing time. After all what is a good school day without a bit of fun and laughter!
Read more of our blogs:
How much time should children spend looking at the screen?
Football pitch markings for a playground full of fun
Why a King Square playground marking is right for your playground
