Playground games - Info pack

Hopscotch is a classic playground game that has stood the test of time, delighting children for generations. The game requires a numbered grid, typically drawn on the ground, and can be enjoyed by multiple players or even solo. Participants begin by tossing a small object, such as a stone or beanbag, into the first square without allowing it to touch the edges. Successfully doing so allows the player to hop through the grid, skipping over the square with the object and landing with precision in the subsequent numbered squares. The objective is to navigate from number one through ten without missing any squares, providing endless fun and a test of agility and coordination.

Another timeless playground activity is skipping, which once was predominantly favoured by girls but has since become a popular exercise among all genders, often included in fitness routines. The traditional form of skipping involves two individuals turning a long rope while a third jumps over it in time. This activity often incorporates catchy rhymes that dictate the rhythm of the skipping, such as the spell-out chant "Down the Mississippi," where each letter corresponds with a jump. Marbles, too, were a staple of playground pastimes. The game's rules varied widely depending on the region, from flicking marbles into a hole to targeting them within drawn circles. Though not as widespread as in the days of our grandparents, marbles still captivate with their variety and the thrill of 'keepers' matches, where victors claim their opponents' marbles, leading to both heated competition and treasured collections.