Games of Olden Times

"It has become increasingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity" [Albert Einstein, 1946]. 

Fears of information overload for children were as real in the 1500's with the invention of the printing press as they are today with the immediate availability of information on phones. Excess use of screens for work or entertainment has also shown to impact a child's social-emotional development. While the "olden days" had its concerns about books and newspapers they also had plenty of active, imaginative games to keep them occupied! Some of these have maintained popularity through the years and are still played or can still be purchased today, while others have been lost in the ether of time. 

Hopscotch - though the game is thought to be some 2000 years old, it is still painted or paved into the playgrounds of most schools

Tin Stilts - or any kind of stilts! Great for balance and coordination. 

Skipping ropes - very good for hand eye coordination and fitness!

Hoops - so many different skills and tricks you can do with just a hoop!

Quoits - played by migrants on the boat deck as rope was readily available, and by farm kids with old horse shoes!

Sack race - competitive and fun, do you have the balance and strength to jump the furthest the fastest?!

Knucklebones - A version of this game was present in most cultures!

And what about Elastics, Hide and Seek, Sardines, Duck Duck Goose, Marbles, Yo-yos, Monkey in the Middle, Cops and Robbers or Whats the time Mr Wolf?  Which games do you remember playing as a child? 

Try any of these games at home or school to get kids active and simultaneously teach them about the past!