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GAMES WITHOUT MUSIC
[Illustration]
[Transcriber's Notes: Bold text is show by surrounding =equal signs=.
Italic text by surrounding _underscores_.
On page 77, two facing brackets [] are used to show a drawn square in
the text.]
GAMES WITHOUT MUSIC
FOR CHILDREN
BY
LOIS BATES
AUTHOR OF 'KINDERGARTEN GUIDE' 'RECITATIONS FOR INFANTS'
'GUESSING GAMES' 'SALTAIRE ACTION SONGS'
'SALTAIRE KINDERGARTEN GAMES' ETC.
LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.
39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON
NEW YORK AND BOMBAY
1897
All rights reserved
PREFACE
THE object of these Games is to introduce variety when it is needed in
the ordinary school routine, and to form a means of recreation to the
children when unfavourable weather makes the usual playtime impossible.
Those of the Games referring to special subjects, such as 'Sewing,'
etc., may be used in the lesson time devoted to such subjects, and the
'Guessing Rhymes,' Nos. 51 to 97, may sometimes be given between
lessons. For notes on these, see p. 87.
'Games for the Playground' and a few of those immediately preceding are
old games with new rhymes.
It is hoped that some of the plays (Nos. 12 to 20, _e.g._) will help to
teach the children important truths that are difficult for them to learn
in the abstract, but which represented and practised in childish play
may make an impression on their plastic little minds. Many of the Games
are suitable for home use, and will probably be played there by the
children after being learnt in school.
If the Games help to make school brighter and pleasanter for teacher and
children their object will be gained.
LOIS BATES.
SALTAIRE.
CONTENTS
I. GAMES FOR THE SCHOOLROOM
NO. OF
GAME PAGE
1. LAYING THE BREAKFAST-TABLE 1
2. THE BREAKFAST PARTY 3
3. CLEARING THE TABLE 4
4. WEIGHING 6
5. MEASURING GAME 8
6. SHOPPING 10
7. TYING A BOW 12
8. THIMBLE GAME 16
9. SEWING GAME 17
10. KNITTING GAME 19
11. THE SIGN-POST 23
12. ASKING WAY IN STREET 24
13. POLITENESS IN STREETS 27
14. DRESSING CHILDREN 28
15. FATHER BRINGING PRESENTS 29
16. GOING ERRANDS 32
17. TAKING FATHER'S TEA 34
18. INVITATION TO PLAY 36
19. INVITATION TO DRIVE 38
20. GETTING READY FOR BED 40
21. WASHING ONE'S SELF 42
22. ASKING FOR DRINK OF WATER 43
23. THE FOX AND THE TIGER 44
24. THE COACH GAME 48
25. THE STABLE 50
26. VISITING GRANDMAMMA 51
27. PAYING CALLS 53
28. AFTERNOON TEA 54
29. SPRING FLOWERS 56
30. SUMMER FLOWERS 57
31. THE THREE BEARS 59
32. IMITATING CRIES OF ANIMALS 62
33. CHARADES 63
34. PASSING THE STICK 65
35. FINDING THE THIMBLE 66
36. THROWING THE HANDKERCHIEF 68
37. PICKING UP POTATOES 69
II. GAMES FOR THE PLAYGROUND
38. THROWING THE BALL 71
39. LAME LASSIE 72
40. POLLY FLINDERS 73
41. DROP, DROP, DROP 74
42. PUSS IN THE CORNER 75
43. WOLF AND SHEEP 76
44. DANCING GAME 77
45. DUCKING UNDER 78
46. WHO'LL GO A-HUNTING? 79
47. SHEEP GATHERING 80
48. HOPPING GAME 82
49. MAKING A CHAIN 83
50. MOTHER, MAY WE GO OUT TO PLAY? 84
III. GUESSING RHYMES
_MISCELLANEOUS OBJECTS_, pp. 88-91
51. PUDDING
52. WATCH
53. BRUSH
54. ARM-CHAIR
55. POCKET-HANDKERCHIEF
56. WINDOW BLIND
57. BOAT
58. STEAMER
59. SAIL BOAT
60. BELLOWS
61. PIPE
_ANIMALS_, pp. 91-93
62. DOG
63. STAG
64. CATERPILLAR
65. LAMBS
66. ELEPHANT'S TRUNK
67. SQUIRREL
_FLOWERS_, pp. 93, 94
68. SNOW-DROP
69. DAISY
70. WILD HYACINTH
71. HAREBELL
72. WILD ROSE
73. MAY BLOSSOM
_NATURAL PHENOMENA_, pp. 95-98
74. SPRING
75. SUMMER
76. AUTUMN
77. WINTER
78. THE FOUR SEASONS
79. CLOUDS
80. HOAR-FROST
81. DEW
82. WIND
_NURSERY RHYMES_, pp. 98-100
83. LITTLE BOY BLUE
84. JACK AND JILL
85. MARY, MARY, QUITE CONTRARY
86. LITTLE JACK HORNER
87. LITTLE TOM TUCKER
88. LITTLE BOPEEP
89. MOTHER HUBBARD
90. HUMPTY DUMPTY
91. LITTLE MISS MUFFET
_FAIRY TALES_, pp. 100-102
92. RED RIDING HOOD
93. WOLF
94. CINDERELLA
95. SLEEPING BEAUTY
96. JACK THE GIANT KILLER
97. DICK WHITTINGTON
ILLUSTRATIONS
THE 'HOUSE' _Frontispiece_
FIG. 1.--HOW TO TIE A BOW _page_ 14
" 2.--THE SIGN-POST 22
" 3.--FOX'S DEN 46
GAMES WITHOUT MUSIC FOR CHILDREN
I. GAMES FOR THE SCHOOLROOM
1. _LAYING THE BREAKFAST-TABLE_
1. SPREAD the cloth--this is the way,
Cups and saucers, where are they?
2. Put them at one end in rows,
See, a spoon with each one goes.
3. One plate for each person bring,
And a napkin in a ring.
4. Here's a jug of milk so hot,
Sugar next, and coffee-pot.
5. Bread and butter place we here,
Then we get the chairs, my dear.
6. Ring the bell, and all sit round,
Each should in his place be found.
_Directions._--The table may be laid by two children only, or several
may be employed, but different children should take part each time the
game is played, so that all may learn how to carry the cups, &c., and
how to place them.
_Verse 1._ Two little girls step forward and lay the cloth.
_Verse 2._ The cups and saucers are brought on a tray, and placed in
rows at one end of the table.
_Verse 3._ One child brings plates on a tray and places them one by one
round the table, while another follows with serviettes on a small tray,
and places one to the right of each plate.
_Verse 4._ The sugar, milk, &c., are placed in position.
_Verse 5._ One or two plates of bread and butter are put on the table,
and then the chairs are placed ready.
_Verse 6._ The bell is rung, and the children who are to sit at table
take their places.
2. _THE BREAKFAST PARTY_
This game may be played immediately after the one preceding, or it may
be used alone. The children seat themselves at the table, the 'Mother'
sitting at one end and the 'Father' at the other. When all the cups are
filled and passed, the following lines are repeated:
1. [1]Little hands are folded while the grace is said,
'Father, God, we thank Thee for our daily bread.'
2. [2]Let us stir our coffee, softly, gently, so,
[3]Then the spoon in saucer quietly must go.
3. When you eat and drink, dears, do not make a noise,
[4]Pass things to each other, little girls and boys.
[If there is a piano in school, a little music
might be played while breakfast is in progress.]
4. When we finish breakfast, [5]hands in lap lay we,
Elbows on the table, that should never be!
[1] Fold hands and bow head.
[2] Stir coffee.
[3] Place spoon in saucer.
[4] Pass bread and butter to each other.
[5] Fold hands in lap.
(For Dinner and Tea Table songs, see Appendix I.)
3. _CLEARING THE TABLE_
(For directions as to laying the table, see game No. 1.)
1. Breakfast over, off we go,
To remove the cloth, you know.
2. Put the napkins on the tray,
And the plates, too, take away.
3. Cups and saucers next we take,
Carefully, lest them we break.
4. Bring the milk and sugar here,
Soon the table will be clear.
5. Shake the cloth and fold it straight,
Then we'll wash each cup and plate.[A]
_Instructions._--_Verse 1._ Children rise from table, and each carries
chair to the place where it should go.
_Verse 2._ A child brings a little tray, and, walking round the table,
takes up all the napkins, putting them on the tray one by one. A second
child follows with another tray, and takes up the plates in the same
manner.
_Verse 3._ Two children remove the cups and saucers, each having a tray.
_Verse 4._ The coffee-pot, milk-jug, and sugar-basin are taken away on a
tray.
_Verse 5._ The cloth should be taken off carefully, so that the crumbs
are not spilt, or if a toy crumb brush and tray can be obtained, the
crumbs may be removed before the cloth is taken up.
[A] For song 'Washing Dishes,' see Appendix I.
4. _WEIGHING_
Scales and weights are required for this game.
Before commencing let the children see the different weights, and hold
them one after the other in their hands.
The following rhymes may assist the scholars to remember the various
weights:
1. First comes the [1]ounce weight, small and round,
Sixteen of these do make a [2]pound.
2. Four ounces [3]quarter-pound will be;
[4]Half-pound has eight ounces, you see.
The four weights given above will be sufficient at first for little
children, but more may be added as they become familiar with these. When
the scholars have learnt to distinguish the pound, ounce, &c., they may
come out in turn and weigh various objects.
It would be well to explain that solid objects occupy less room than
lighter substances--that a pound of feathers, _e.g._, would take up a
large space, while a pound of lead would go into a very small compass.
[1] Show ounce weight.
[2] Show pound weight.
[3] Show the quarter-pound.
[4] Show half-pound.
GUESSING GAME.--When the object to be weighed has been chosen, a number
of children are allowed to come out and hold it in turn, and say what
they think is its weight. As the object is handed to the first child,
the teacher says:
Can you tell the weight of this?
Mind you do not guess amiss.
Each child takes the object in its hand and guesses. The article is then
weighed, and the child who has guessed most nearly its correct weight is
allowed to choose the next object for weighing, and to call out the
children who are to guess. He hands it to the first child, repeating the
words of the rhyme.
5. _MEASURING GAME_
Before playing this game, the children should be well accustomed to the
use of the foot-rule, marked with inches (cost, &c.[1]). Each child
should have a foot-rule and measure its book, pencil, desk, &c.; it
should also be taught to draw lines of different lengths with the rule
on its slate; thus, teacher might say, 'Draw a standing-up (vertical)
line six inches long,' or, 'Draw a lying-down (horizontal) line four
inches long,' and so on. The children will thus get accustomed to
estimating the length and breadth of objects, and will be able to play
the game.
Suppose the slate to be the object chosen, the teacher holds it up so
that all may see it, and then repeats the lines:
Think it over carefully,
And tell me what the length may be
Of this slate.
The children who are ready to answer then put their hands out, and the
one who guesses correctly (or most nearly correctly) has the privilege
of asking the next question, and stands in front of the class in
readiness. Before proceeding, however, the first object should be
measured, so that all may see that the answer was correct.
Perhaps the pencil may be the next object chosen, or a window-pane,
ball-frame, desk, duster, book, &c., and instead of _length_, we may
have _breadth_. The words would then be:
Think it over carefully,
And tell me what the _breadth_ may be
Of this window-pane.
The children should be taught to listen attentively, so that they may
know whether length or breadth is to be guessed; the meaning of the two
terms should, of course, be explained previously.
If circular objects are chosen for measurement, the word 'girth' must be
substituted for 'length.' This form of object should only be used for
the older children, as it is much more difficult. To measure a circular
object, a string should be passed round it, and the string should then
be measured with the foot-rule.
Sometimes the word _height_ may be substituted, as, for instance, in
measuring the height of a plant or a child. The children will enjoy the
latter very much.
_Twelve_ inches make a foot,
And _nine_ a quarter-yard,
The half-yard _eighteen_ inches takes,
To learn this is not hard.
[1] Appendix II.
6. _SHOPPING_
The shopman should stand behind a table or desk, and have articles made
up in parcels ready for sale. 'The Shop' described in 'Kindergarten
Guide,' p. 230,[1] would do nicely for this game.
The children who go shopping should be dressed in outdoor costume, and
each carry a basket. They should also have money; imitation cardboard
coins (for cost[2]) would do. (Customer walks up to the counter.)
SHOPMAN
Good morning, ma'am, how do you do? And pray what can I get for you?
CUSTOMER
Good morning, shopman, will you please
To weigh for me a pound of cheese?
[The packet is handed to customer.]
CUSTOMER
Here is a shilling [_handing it_], eightpence take,
SHOPMAN
And fourpence change [_giving fourpence to customer_] just twelvepence
make.
The children should also ask for other articles, without using the
rhymes, and they should be encouraged to speak clearly and distinctly,
and to address the shopman civilly. This will be likely to assist them
in going errands for mother.
[1] See Appendix III.
[2] See Appendix IV.
7. _TYING A BOW_
_Instructions._--The children should be sitting at desks or tables, and
each child should have a 3/4 yard length of tape or ribbon, one inch in
width, and a book with stiff cover. The teacher should first show how to
tie the bow by passing her ribbon round the neck or wrist of a child,
and performing the various movements as they are mentioned in the rhymes
and shown in the illustrations. This should be done several times
very slowly, the words being repeated either by teacher only or by all.
When the children begin to tie the ribbon each round its own book, the
teacher should show the various movements as they occur, performing them
simultaneously with the scholars. (The numbers refer to fig. 1, which
shows the various steps in order.)
[1]Place your ribbon round the book,
[2]Cross it--left end at the top;
[3]Now the right end take and pass
Over, [4]draw it tight, then stop.
[5]With the right end make a loop.
[6]Draw the left across it, so;
[7]Now another loop we make
With the left, and [8]pull it through.
'Tying a Knot' (which is more simple than 'Tying a
Bow') is given in the 'Kindergarten Guide,' p. 105.[A]
[Illustration]
[Transcriber's Note: The numbers in this game's instructions correspond
to the photo listed here.]
[A] Appendix III.
8. _THIMBLE GAME_
Each child should have a thimble, and the teacher should have one also.
A short conversation about the thimble should precede the game--how it
is smooth inside and rough outside. What makes it rough? What are the
little holes for? Which is the rim? &c.
(The teacher, if facing the children, should use the left hand for
right.)
[1]Pretty little thimble,
[2]In your cradle go,
[3]I will rock you gently,
Gently to and fro.
Now I [4]toss and [5]catch you,
[6]Up and down and [7]up;
[8]Next I hold my thimble
Like a little cup.
[9]On the right thumb place it,
Is that right? [10]oh, no!
[11]On your longest finger
[12]Should the thimble go.
[1] Hold thimble up between thumb and forefinger of right hand.
[2] Put thimble in left hand, which should be held palm upward and bent
to form a cradle.
[3] Sway left hand from left to right.
[4, 5, 6, 7] Toss thimble and catch it.
[8] Hold thimble, rim upwards, between thumb and forefinger of left
hand.
[9] Place thimble on right thumb.
[10] Take thimble off.
[11] Hold up middle finger of right hand.
[12] Place thimble on proper finger.
9. _SEWING GAME_
(N.B. In this game, as in No. 8, the teacher, as she faces the scholars,
should use her _left_ hand each time the children use the right.)
If the children have been taught the use of the thimble (Game No. 8),
they should wear it during this game.
TEACHER
Little children, clean and bright,
Show your [1]left hand, show your [2]right,
[3]Left forefinger, that will do,
[4]Place your sewing round it, so.
[5]Needle in your right hand hold,
All should do just what is told;
When the number _One_ I call,
[6]Take a stitch, dear children all.
[7]_Two_, we show the stitch so neat,
[8]Just to see it is a treat.
[9]_Three_, we push the needle's eye
With our thimble carefully.
[10]_Four_, we draw the needle out,
Minding well what we're about.
Thread from needle need not slip,
If a good look-out we keep.
After practising this game several times, the children will be ready for
the sewing drill given on p. 270, 'Kindergarten Guide.'
[1] Hold left hand up.
[2] Hold right hand up.
[3] Hold up forefinger of left hand vertically.
[4] Hem of pinafore or pocket handkerchief to be placed round left
forefinger.
[5] Hold up right hand with thumb and forefinger in position as if
holding needle.
[6] Pretend to take a stitch.
[7] Hold up sewing with both hands.
[8] Hem in position (see No. 4).
[9] Pretend to push needle (which is supposed to be in the hem) with
thimble.
[10] Pretend to draw needle out.
10. _KNITTING GAME_
Each child should have a pair of knitting-pins ([A]wooden ones are the
best for learning), and the teacher should have a pair also. As the
teacher stands facing the children, her _left_ hand is opposite to their
_right_, and she should, consequently, use her _left_ needle to take the
stitch, &c., otherwise the children will be confused.
TEACHER
I will teach you how to knit,
If you listen, dears, to me;
And I'm sure you will admit
It is easy as can be.
Put the pins all ready,[1] so,
Hold one firmly with each hand;
Then the knitting drill I give
You must try to understand.
[2]Take a stitch at number _One_,
And when I say, 'Number _Two_,'
[3]Hold the wool in your right hand,
And then throw it over, so.
[4]Now the pin that's underneath
To the top must come at _Three_,
[5]Slip the loop at number _Four_
From the left pin carefully.
When the above game has been repeated several times, the children will
be ready for the Knitting Drill given on p. 274 of 'Kindergarten Guide.'
[A] Appendix V.
[1] Teacher puts her pins in position.
[2] Put end of _right_ pin under end of left.
[3] Pretend to put wool round end of right-hand pin as in actual
knitting.
[4] Bring right-hand pin to the top.
[5] Slide the right pin off the left.
[Illustration: FIG. 2.--THE SIGN-POST]
11. _THE SIGN-POST_
[Illustration:
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
------------+ +------------
x
------------+ +------------
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |]
_Directions._--The children make roads by standing in lines (see
diagram). Four children should stand at the place marked x (see fig. 2),
one child facing each road, and holding in its two hands a good-sized
strip of cardboard, with the name of a town or village to which the road
is supposed to lead printed thereon. It would be well to use the names
of places in the district with which the children are familiar. Some of
the children must be little travellers, and come walking up the
different roads until they reach the sign-post, then all repeat the
lines:
The little travellers do not know
Which way to go, which way to go,
But here's a sign-post that will tell;
Ah! now they know the way quite well.
The travellers should be told the names on the sign-post before
starting, and each should choose the place to which he will journey.
After the lines are repeated, each traveller takes the road that leads
to his destination.
12. _ASKING WAY IN STREET_
_Preliminary._--One of her Majesty's inspectors remarked on one occasion
that he could judge of the intelligence and manners of a school by the
way in which its scholars playing in the street would reply if asked a
question as to the whereabouts of any particular place in the locality.
It is doubtless desirable that children should know something of the
streets and roads of the district in which they live, and if they have
clear ideas as to the meaning of 'right' and 'left,' the following game
should help them in describing the position of places.
The streets may be made by the children themselves standing in rows, as
in the preceding game; or if the space available be small, the children
may stand round the room, while the plan of the streets is chalked on
the floor. There should be one central street, with others branching out
of it right and left, and each should be named. It may be possible to
arrange and name the streets of some district with which the children
are familiar. The name of each should be written on a card and placed at
the end of the street. The accompanying diagram will illustrate the
playing of the game. We will suppose that a little girl comes walking up
Victoria Road, and at the point x meets a gentleman (a little boy), who
asks, 'Can you please direct me to Queen Street?' 'Yes,' she replies,
'it is the second turning on the left.' The place of meeting may be
varied, and the children will then see that the terms 'right' and 'left'
are interchangeable, according to the direction in which we are walking.
In the following instance, _e.g._ Queen Street is on the _right_ instead
of left. More difficult questions may be asked as the children get to
understand better, such as, 'Which is the way to Alexandra Road?'
(starting from *). 'Take the second turning to the right, then turn to
left, and it is the first street on the right.'
[Illustration:
+---------+ +--------------
| | V |
| | I |
+---------+ C |
KING ST. T +--------------
+---------+ O ALEXANDER RD.
| | R +--------------
| | I |
+---------+ A |
QUEEN ST. |
+---------+ R |
| | O +--------------
| | A JAMES ST.
| | D +--------------
+---------+ |
JOHN ST. |
+---------+ |
| | |
*+---------+ x +--------------]
13. _POLITENESS IN STREETS_
The streets (p. 26) of Game No. 12 may be utilised for this game. The
children should have on their hats and caps, and walk along the streets.
The game is intended to teach them how to behave when walking; they
should keep to the right, not speak loudly, and the boys should raise
their caps when they meet anyone who acknowledges them.
When the game is fairly started, the two verses which follow may be
repeated by all the children:
Keep always to the right
When in the street you walk,
And please remember this--
Do not too loudly talk.
We must not stare at folks,
Or turn to look behind;
Be kind, but never rude--
A good rule you will find.
A little girl who is walking drops her handkerchief; then, after going
a few yards further, stops and says:
Where is my handkerchief? oh dear!
I must have dropped it somewhere near.
A boy who has picked it up advances and offers it to the lady, at the
same time raising his cap, and the lady says 'Thank you.' The game may
be continued at the teacher's discretion, and the verses again repeated.
14. _DRESSING CHILDREN_
About a dozen of the older children stand in the centre of the room, and
a number of the little ones come in with coat and hat in hand. The older
children repeat the verse:
Ready for the babies stand,
See they come with hat in hand.
Bigger children always should
To little ones be kind and good.
The younger children then advance, and the others proceed with the
dressing. First the coat is put on and carefully buttoned, then the hats
or hoods are tied on, and the little child says 'Thank you.'
This game should be played just before the children are dismissed, or
before playtime.
N.B.--How to tie a bow may be learnt from Game No. 7, p. 12.
15. _FATHER BRINGING PRESENTS_
_Object of Game._--Anyone who has observed children cannot fail to have
noticed how very often they have to be _prompted_ to express their
thanks for kindnesses received. It is hoped that this little game may be
of use in impressing the lesson, so often reiterated by parents and
others.
A 'house' is formed by a ring of children (see Frontispiece, and
description of same on p. 31). There should be three children in the
ring to represent 'John,' 'Maud,' and the 'Baby,' also an older girl
for the 'Mother.' The 'Father' is supposed to be away on a journey, and
preparations are being made for his return. The 'Mother' and 'Maud' lay
the table for tea (see Game No. 1, which is similar), and the other two
children may be looking at a picture-book or watching for Father's
return at the door or window. When he arrives, each member of the family
greets him; one takes his hat, another his bag, and a chair is placed
for him at the table. Then the children take their places, and the
Mother pours the tea.
After the meal is finished, the Father opens his portmanteau, and
looking into it, says:
A ball for baby should be here,
[Takes out the ball and gives it.]
BABY
Oh, thank you, thank you, Father dear.
FATHER
A skipping-rope for Maud is this,
[Presents it to Maud.]
MAUD
I thank you, Father, with a kiss.
[Kisses Father.]
FATHER
This cricket-ball for John will do.
[Hands John the ball.]
JOHN
Thank you, Papa, 'tis kind of you.
_Frontispiece._--Twenty or thirty children might very well combine to
make the 'house,' instead of ten as shown here. The two girls who cross
hands form the 'door.' The boy on the left of the door grasps the girdle
of the girl with his right hand, while the boy on the right places his
left hand on the girl's shoulder to make the 'latch.' To open the 'door'
we lift the 'latch,' and then push the girl on the right gently inside
the ring, the girl on the left moving with her.
To _knock_ at the 'door' we rap on the floor.
16. _GOING ERRANDS_
The children join hands and stand round to form a 'house' and 'garden'
(see diagram). A space is left for the gateway of the 'garden.' For
'door' of house see Frontispiece.
[Illustration:
+----------------------+
| |
| |
| House |
| |
| |
+--------+----+--------+
| _Door_ |
| |
| Garden |
| |
| |
+--------+ +--------+]
In the 'house' stands one of the bigger girls to represent the 'mother,'
and there should also be a little chair, and a doll's cradle with a doll
in it.
In the 'garden' eight or ten children are engaged in playing a game.
('Drop, Drop, Drop,' No. 41, p. 74, would do nicely.) One of the girls
must represent 'Nellie,' and one of the boys 'Johnnie.' As the game
proceeds, the 'mother' comes to the door and calls:
'Nellie, Nellie!'
[Nellie at once answers:]
'Yes, mother.'
[Leaves game immediately and runs to mother.]
MOTHER
Baby cries, just soothe her, Nell.
Rock the cradle; that is well.
[Nellie sits down and rocks the cradle.]
The game proceeds for a little while, and then the 'mother' calls again:
'Johnnie!' [_Children say_], 'Mother calls you, see.'
[Johnnie runs quickly to the 'mother.']
MOTHER
Go round to the shop for me.
[Gives him money and a basket.]
Johnnie may go outside the room and come back again, or the game
'Shopping' (No. 6, p. 10) may be played, having been previously prepared
in another part of the room, and Johnnie may go to the shop for what his
mother requires. When he has returned, all the children say:
Little children, always run
When your mother's voice is heard,
Leave your play whene'er she calls
Quickly mind her every word.
17. _TAKING FATHER'S TEA_
A classroom may be used for the 'house' and another for the 'workshop,'
or they may both be made by rings of children (see Frontispiece, and
description of same on p. 31). Between the 'house' and the 'workshop'
there should be a 'street' (see Game No. 12, p. 24). In the workshop
there should be 'joiners' planing, hammering, sawing, &c. (a set of toy
tools might be used for this), and in the 'house' a little girl should
represent the 'mother.'
Two children come walking quickly down the 'street' towards the 'house,'
saying:
Straight away from school we go,
To take our father's tea, you know.
They enter the 'house,' and the 'mother' gives a jug to one and a basket
to the other, and says:
With care the jug of tea you'll hold,
And make good haste lest it get cold.
Children reply:
Oh yes, dear mother, all you say
We'll mind right well--and now, away.
They walk up the 'street' to the 'workshop,' and the 'father'--a joiner
with sleeves rolled up--comes to the door.
FATHER
Ah! my children, here you come,
CHILDREN
Yes, we've brought your tea from home.
Father takes the jug and basket, saying:
Thank you, now run home and play;
I am working late to-day.
Children say 'Good-bye,' and run off.
_INVITATIONS_
_Preliminary._--Children should be taught to express thanks not only for
tangible presents, as in Game No. 15, but also for kindness or favours
received. The two games which follow are intended to teach this.
18. _INVITATION TO PLAY_
A house with garden is needed; to make this the children join hands and
stand as shown in diagram, p. 32. In the 'house' there should be a
'mother,' and in the 'garden' a number of children playing with ball or
skipping-rope. A smaller 'house' is required at some distance from the
first. In this, also, there should be a 'mother'--(Mrs. Day), and a
little girl--(Nell). A classroom may be used for this 'house' if more
convenient.
As the play proceeds the 'mother' comes to the 'door' to watch the
children's game. Presently one of them--a boy--runs up to her and says:
Mamma, please, may we ask Nell Day
To come and have a game of play?
[The other children come and cluster round.]
MOTHER
Oh, yes! I will a message send--
An invitation for your friend.
Just go and ask if Mrs. Day
Can spare Nellie to come all day.
ALL THE CHILDREN
Thank you, mother.
The boy runs off to Mrs. Day's house and knocks. Mrs. Day answers the
door.
CHILD
Please, Mrs. Day, may Nellie come
To play all day with us at home?
If Mrs. Day says 'Yes,' Nell should reply, 'Thank you, mother,' and Mrs.
Day should also send a message of thanks to the boy's mother. When Nell
is ready, they run off hand in hand.
19. _INVITATION TO DRIVE_
The house and garden described in Game No. 16, p. 32, will do quite well
for this also, but the children are to be at work instead of play. One
child may be fetching water, another minding the baby, and another
watering the garden or going errands. A gentleman (boy) comes to the
garden-gate (a space is left for the gateway), with 'carriage' and
'horses'; the 'carriage' is made in the same way as the 'coach' (Game
No. 24, p. 48), and has two horses instead of four. Gentleman walks
through the 'garden,' knocks at the door, and says:
Good morning, madam; if I may,
I'll drive your children out to-day.
MOTHER
I thank you, sir [_beckons children to her_]; come children!
[_children run to her_].
GENTLEMAN
Such busy, happy children, they
Shall drive with me far, far away.
CHILDREN
Oh, thank you, sir, 'twill pleasant be
To ride with you nice things to see.
Children enter carriage, waving hands to 'mother,' and saying:
Good-bye, dear mother, off we go,
The horses gallop fast, we know.
20. _GETTING READY FOR BED_
This game may be used for a class of children, or for a few only. In the
former case, the majority of the scholars would, of course, be
lookers-on.
Half a dozen boys and girls should be playing in different parts of the
room; one might be drawing, another building, and a third looking at a
picture-book; or they might all be joining to play a game together. A
big girl or the teacher represents the elder sister, who repeats (or
sings to the tune of 'The Campbells are Coming') the four lines
following:
Come, children, get ready for bed, bed, bed,
And sister must wash you, as mother said,
The hands and the faces will all be clean,
Such nice, happy children, shall ne'er be seen.
The children instantly put toys and books away in their proper places,
and reply:
Some folks they do cry, when they're washed, oh dear! dear!
Pray where do they live? We do not want them here.
Merry, happy little children, come and get well scrubbed,
But do not cry when you are washed and rubbed.
The 'sister' pretends to wash all the children; then they say:
Some folks they do cry when they're told, 'Time for bed,'
Some folks pout and say, 'Oh! let me play instead.'
Merry, happy little children, laughing go away,
Good-night, good-night, we'll play another day.
The children go out of the room kissing hands to those who are left, or
to the elder 'sister.'
21. _WASHING ONE'S SELF_
The teacher may repeat the lines, accompanying them with the actions,
which the children imitate, or the children may learn and repeat the
words themselves.
[1]Wash your hands, dear children all,
[2]Palms we rub and [3]backs as well,
[4]Round the wrist we leave no mark,
Else a sad tale that would tell;
[5]Rub the knuckles, [6]brush nails, too,
Clean, bright[7] hands nice work can do.
Now 'tis time to [8]wash your face,
[9]Soap your hands, and [10]rub away,
[11]Gently round the ears we go,
[12]Don't forget your eyes, I say;
[13]Nose, and [14]mouth, and [15]forehead high,
[16]All to make quite clean we try.
_Actions._--
[1] Pretend to wash hands.
[2] Rub palms together.
[3] Rub back of left hand with palm of right.
[4] Wash left wrist, then right.
[5] Rub knuckles of both hands.
[6] Brush nails of left hand with right fist.
[7] Show hands.
[8] Touch face with both hands.
[9] Pretend to rub soap on hands.
[10] Rub hands together.
[11] Wash the ears.
[12] Wash eyes.
[13] Rub the nose.
[14] Wash round mouth.
[15] Rub forehead.
[16] Rub all the face.
22. _ASKING FOR DRINK OF WATER_
_Preliminary._--This little game may be used to teach children to be
courteous to strangers, and it should also teach them how to carry
liquid without spilling.
_Directions._--The school or classroom should be the 'house,' and a boy
(representing the man who asks for water) should go outside. One child
is required to answer the door, and another may carry the glass of
water, or the same child may do both.
The 'man' comes and knocks at the door, which is opened by a little
girl; he then says:
A drink of water, please, I pray,
You'll give me, madam, this hot day.
A child walks across the room with the glass of water, which should be
carried on a plate or small tray, without spilling, and hands it to the
man, who takes it, saying, 'Thank you.' When he has finished drinking,
he returns the glass, and the child says 'Good-day,' and closes the
door.
23. _THE FOX AND THE TIGER_
_Directions._--The 'tiger' (a boy) hides in a 'forest,' which the
children make by standing at irregular intervals and representing trees.
Each child should name the tree it chooses, the following rhyme gives
the names of a few common trees:
Beech and chestnut, birch and oak
Are the names of English trees,
Elm and willow, poplar, ash,
Soon you will remember these.
[Illustration: FIG. 3.--FOX'S DEN]
The children should see leaves from each tree, and country children
should be shown the trees themselves with the leaves growing on them.
The 'den' of the 'fox' is at the edge of the 'forest,' and is made by
ten children standing as shown in fig. 3. The four children who form the
entrance join hands as shown, and the other six meet hands in centre. A
better way of making the den would be for each child to hold a branch of
a tree, then the _branches_ would meet instead of the hands. The
children who stand for 'trees' in the 'forest' wave branches, if the
latter are obtainable; if not, the arms are waved for branches. One of
the bigger girls should be the 'fox,' and two or three of the smallest
children should be cubs, and go into the den with the fox. Then the fox
comes walking out of the den, and says:
I go to find a duck
For dinner this fine day,
And you, my pretty cubs,
Will stay at home and play.
While she is absent, the tiger comes softly into the den and takes one
of the cubs (leading the child away by the hand). Presently the fox
returns, goes into the den, misses the cub, and chases the tiger.
24. _THE COACH GAME_
[Illustration:
x x x x
13 14 15 16
x x
11 12
x x
9 10
x x x x
5 6 7 8
x x x x
1 2 3 4]
The 'coach' is formed by children standing in position as shown on
diagram. All the children face the same way. 1, 2, 3, 4 are 'horses' and
join hands behind, as in 'Bell-horses'; 5, 6, 7, 8 join hands to make
the front part of the 'coach'; '5' holds the coat of 'horse' No. 1 with
right hand, while '8' holds coat of '4' with left; 9, 10, 11, 12 each
hold the dress of the child standing in front; 13, 14, 15, 16 join
hands; '13' catches hold of No. 11 with right hand, and '16' holds the
dress of No. 12 with left. When the 'coach' is ready, the 'driver' (a
boy) repeats the lines:
Here is my coach, who'll come and ride?
The door, you see, is open wide.
Four 'passengers' advance, and the 'driver' makes way for them to enter
the 'coach' between '10' and '12,' saying:
Jump in quick! quick! not long we stay,
Then ready! steady! right away!
The 'door' is closed by '12' again grasping the dress of '10,' and the
'coach' moves off. The 'horses' should not go very quickly, else the
'coach' will probably lose its shape. The 'passengers' walk along with
the 'coach' until their destination is reached, when the 'driver' opens
the door and allows them to alight.
The above game may be played in conjunction with Nos. 25, 26 and 27.
25. _THE STABLE_
This game may be played immediately after 'The Coach,' or it may be
played alone.
_Directions._--The 'stable' is formed by a number of children who stand
in rows (see diagram) and join hands.
[Illustration:
x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x
x x x x x
x x]
The 'hostler' (a boy) should stand near the 'stable.' When the 'coach'
(Game No. 24, p. 48) drives up, he goes to the driver and asks:
HOSTLER
Shall I take your horses for a rest and feed?
They are tired, I think, sir, and a drink they need.
DRIVER
Yes, good hostler, take and give them nice fresh corn,
With a pail of water; they have worked since morn.
The 'hostler' leads one horse into each stall, and pretends to give them
hay or corn. Then he carries water to them in a pail (a toy pail, price
1_d._, would do), and each drinks. After this he rubs them down, using a
brush or his hand.
26. _VISITING GRANDMAMMA_
_Directions._--Four little girls are selected to visit grandmamma, and
to carry messages and presents to her. Grandma's 'house' is made by a
ring of children (see Frontispiece, and description of same on p. 31),
and the girl who is to be 'Grandma' sits in the ring knitting. An
old-fashioned kerchief and cap help to make the 'grandma' more real, and
a pair of spectacles adds further to the effect. If the 'coach' game be
used in conjunction with this, the little girls may be the 'passengers'
and go in the 'coach' to grandma's house. The 'door' (see description of
Frontispiece on p. 31) should be opened by a little maid, then the four
children enter and repeat the lines:
CHILDREN ALTOGETHER
Good morning, grandma, we have come
With messages from all at home.
FIRST CHILD
Mamma sends love, and I'm to say
She hopes you are quite well to-day.
[Grandma replies suitably.]
SECOND CHILD
These flowers, dear grandma, are for you,
[Gives her flowers.]
In my small garden bed they grew.
GRANDMA
Thank you, my dear.
THIRD CHILD [_handing a basket_]
And here are cakes that Nellie made
To send to grandmamma, she said.
FOURTH CHILD [_giving basket to grandma_]
Ripe fruit I bring for grandmamma,
These pears and plums are from papa.
When 'grandma' has thanked each of the children, they take leave of her
and return home.
The Guessing Rhyme, No. 92, might be given after playing the above game.
27. _PAYING CALLS_
_Directions._--A ring of children form the 'house' (see Frontispiece,
and description of same on p. 31) or a classroom may be used for it. A
few chairs and a table should be placed in the 'house,' and there should
be a 'mother' and 'children.' A 'lady' (represented by a little girl)
comes and knocks at the 'door,' and the 'mother' opens it.
VISITOR
How do you do, dear Mrs. Brown?
I've called upon you going to town.
MOTHER
I'm quite well, thank you, Mrs. May,
And glad to see you this fine day.
The visitor then walks in and speaks to the children one by one; they
should answer without hesitation. Children are generally very shy and
awkward when addressed by strangers, but they should be encouraged to
reply with confidence and ease. Perhaps these little games may help to
give them confidence.
The game 'Paying Calls' might appropriately be followed by 'Afternoon
Tea'; both these are played with great glee by the little girls.
28. _AFTERNOON TEA_
The tea-tray is brought in by one of the children and placed on a table
near the 'mother,' who pours out the tea. One of the children carries a
cup to the visitor, and hands it to her, asking:--
Will you take a cup of tea?
VISITOR
Yes, refreshing it will be.
[Takes the cup and says 'Thank you.']
A plate or d'oyley may be placed in the lap of the visitor for the bread
or biscuit, which the child hands, saying:--
Bread and butter, biscuits, cake.
VISITOR
Please a biscuit I will take.
The 'mother' may serve the children with tea, or there may be other
visitors calling, then the time of the children will be occupied in
attending to them.
When Mrs. May has finished, the child says:--
Shall I take your cup away,
And your plate, too, Mrs. May?
[Takes them away.]
By-and-by the visitor takes leave of the 'mother' and children, bidding
each 'Good-day,' and the 'door' is opened for her by one of the
children.
29. _SPRING FLOWERS_
All the children join to form a large ring, and one of the taller girls
stands in the centre to represent 'Spring.' The twelve flowers mentioned
in the verses should be represented by twelve children standing at
intervals in the ring. Before commencing the game, the child who
represents 'Spring' might appropriately repeat the lines of Guessing
Rhyme No. 74, p. 95.
The 'Flowers' step forward from the larger ring as the name of each is
mentioned in the verses, and form a smaller circle round 'Spring.' The
children should join hands to close up the gap which is left by each
'Flower' as it steps forward to join the small circle.
A Daffodil am I,
And I a Daisy small;
A Bluebell I come here,
I'm Buttercup so tall.
The Cowslip should come next,
And then the Violet sweet,
The Snowdrop fair and white,
The Crocus trim and neat.
The starry Celandine,
Anemone, so fair,
The yellow Primrose, sweet,
Lily, with fragrance rare.
The 'Flowers' then join hands and repeat the verse following:--
Whene'er Spring shows her face
The flowers all come again,
We cluster round the 'Spring,'
[All the Flowers bow.]
We follow in her train.
[Flowers turn to right.]
'Spring' marches round inside the larger ring, and the 'Flowers' follow
in order.
30. _SUMMER FLOWERS_
This game is played like the game of 'Spring Flowers' (see instructions
on p. 56).
The girl chosen to represent 'Summer' may repeat the verse given in
Guessing Rhyme No. 75, p. 95, and then the 'Flowers' step forward as
their names are mentioned in the rhymes which follow.
First comes the Pink Wild Rose,
[Rose steps forward.]
The White rose, too, is here
Next Honeysuckle sweet,
And Foxglove standing near.
The scented Mignonette,
Dog-daisy gold and white,
The pretty Cornflower blue,
And Marigold so bright.
A Campion white grows here,
And next a Campion pink,
Here's Clover from the field,
Harebell comes next, I think.
The 'Flowers' then join hands and repeat the following rhyme:--
A ring we make round Summer sweet,
Oh Summer, Summer, thee we greet:
[All bow.]
For bright and happy is our play
All through the livelong Summer day.
The 'Flowers' then dance round 'Summer.'
31. _THE THREE BEARS_
This game may be played either in the home, schoolroom or classroom. The
words should be learnt previously as a recitation.
_Materials required._--Three mugs or basins of various sizes, with a
spoon in each; three stools or chairs of various sizes, and three beds.
The latter may be made by laying shawls or coats on the forms or floor.
The 'beds' should vary in size, the first being the largest, the next
smaller, the third smaller still.
Three boys or girls should be chosen to represent the Three Bears, and
these also should vary in size. The 'Bears' go outside the room.
The child who represents the little girl should know the rhymes well.
When all is ready she comes in and, standing near the open door, says:--
What a funny house I see!
Surely I may step inside,
All is quiet as can be,
And the door is open wide.
[Walks slowly towards the mugs.]
Pots of food are near the fire.
I must taste them, one [tastes the first], two [tastes the second],
three [tastes the third];
Oh, how good, I'll eat it all,
For my breakfast it shall be.
[Puts the mug down and turns to stools.]
Three stools! first [sits on first] and next [sits on it] too high,
Tiny one is just for me.
[Sits on third.]
Oh, 'tis broken [tumbles off], off I go,
What else is there yet to see?
[Walks towards beds.]
Beds, a large one [lies down], that is hard, [Rises.]
This one [pointing to middle bed] is too long, I fear,
Oh, how soft [lies down in little bed], I'll take a rest,
In the little bed just here.
[Pretends to sleep.]
The three bears come tramping in. The big one takes up his mug and says,
'Who has been at my porridge?' The second bear says the same; and then
the little bear takes up his mug and says, 'Who has been at my porridge
and eaten it all up?'
They proceed in the same way with the stools, the little bear finishing
with 'Who has been sitting on my stool, and broken it?'
Then they go to the beds in order, asking one after the other, 'Who has
been at my bed?' until it comes to the little bear's turn, when he says,
'Who has been at my bed? and here she is still!'
The little girl now opens her eyes, and, seeing the bears, jumps up
quickly and runs off.
32. _IMITATING CRIES OF ANIMALS_
(A simple game for the very smallest children.)
One child comes out to stand in front of the class and says:--
Listen to the cry I make,
Then, if you the trouble take,
You may guess my name.
He then imitates the cry of some animal, the 'bark' of a dog, the 'mew'
of a cat, or the 'crowing' of the cock, and the children who wish to
answer hold out the hand. The child who is allowed to give the name of
the animal represented by the cry comes out (if the answer is correct)
and makes the cry of another animal, first repeating the lines as
before. The following are some of the cries that the children may be
able to imitate, 'cluck, cluck' (hen), 'quacking' (duck), 'hissing'
(goose), 'neighing' (horse), 'braying' (donkey), 'grunting' (pig),
'chirping' (bird) or talking like the parrot.
33. _CHARADES_
_Preliminary._--Everyone knows how fond children are of representing
ideas by action. It is for this reason that charades are recommended
here. It will, of course, be necessary for the teacher to assist and
suggest, but the children soon acquire confidence, and their acting,
being perfectly natural, is often remarkably good.
A very simple little charade is given as an example.
The children who are to take part go out of the room for a few minutes
with the teacher. We will suppose the word chosen is
TEA-CAKE
ACT I.--The teacher is to be the 'mother' and the rest are children. The
'mother' enters and sits down; presently the children come trooping in
from school and gather round her. She asks what they have been doing at
school, each one tells her something about its work or play, and then
one child asks, 'May we have tea, mother, please?' 'Yes,' says the
mother, 'go and take off your hats and we will get it ready.' (End of
Act I.)