By Rae Pica
Gryphon House, Inc.
www.ghbooks.com
PO Box 207
Beltsville, MD 20704
301-595-9500
I have two young children, and I want them to play well with each other and with other children. More than that, my children are still developing their sense of fair play and codes of conduct. This is exactly why I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to review the book Great Games for Young Children: Over 100 Games to Develop Self-Confidence, Problem-Solving Skills, and Cooperation by Rae Pica.
This book of games is different than others I have seen. Great Games actually focuses on equipping and building a child up rather than the traditional "I win, you lose, nana-nana-na-na" mentality. In the Introduction, Dr. Neil Williams, creator of The Physical Education Hall of Shame (a list of childhood games he considers inappropriate for physical education classes), says that the following games share these problems:
- Absence of the purported objectives of the activity or game.
- Potential to embarrass a child in front of the rest of the class.
- Focus on eliminating children from participation.
- Extremely low participation time.
- Extremely high likelihood for danger, injury, and harm.
These elements are found in games such as dodge ball, kickball, musical chairs, relay races, steal the bacon, red rover, simon says, and tag.
The information provided is very thought-provoking. Why would you want to engage in a game where your child may have to sit out? Wouldn't you want your child to play and have fun during game time? The author believes so! Rae Pica wrote, "The games I've chosen or invented for this book provide benefits for the whole child. This means that if a game doesn't have something to offer in all three domains of child development, I didn't include it here." The three areas of child development are cognitive development, social/emotional development and physical development.
The games are divided into five categories: Circle Games, Concept Games, Musical Games, Cooperative Games, and Outdoor Games. Each game has a little history, a "Why It's a Great Game" section that tells the reader what development skills will be focused upon, instructions for playing the game (including any needed materials), and lastly, a section of additional/optional ways to play the game (adapting it for older children, increasing the difficulty, and keeping it interesting after your children have mastered it).
We have really enjoyed this book. I don't have to worry about one of my two children being "ousted" from a game, and we can focus on having fun! I have even used these games at our church with much success. The book is recommended for ages 3-8, and any family with children would benefit from this book.
Product review by Jessica DeFore, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, July 2007
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