As more and more schools transition back to in-person learning, we know educators are looking for games that are physically-distant and don’t require equipment. The need for play is more important than ever due to the isolation that our kids have endured during COVID-19. Play encourages creativity, flexibility, teamwork, and other critical social skills.
We’ve applied our 25 years of experience to adapting some of our favorite games to the current context. See our pro-tips below to understand how to easily transition these games to fit your needs today.
1) SWITCH
Pro Tip: At each corner of the square, have two cones placed 6 feet apart. Whichever student reaches a cone first, wins that corner!
2) RO-SHAM-BO RELAY
Pro Tip: Remind students to stay six feet apart even when they are playing Rock, Paper, Scissors. Use this game as a tool to teach conflict resolution to your students!
3) ANIMAL KINGDOM
Pro Tip: This game can also be played virtually or with students sitting at their desks. Rather than tapping on the yardstick, either chat with the student who should make the sound or point to the student!
4) ZIP ZAP ZOP
Pro Tip: Set cones out six feet apart where you want kids to stand so the play space is large enough to have students physically distanced from each other.
5) DETECTIVE FROG
Pro Tip: Detective Frog is a version of Poison Dart Frog and can be played virtually or physically distanced in person.
Variation for playing with masks:
- Instead of sticking out their tongue, the poison dart frog uses a different motion agreed upon by the group, such as pointing.
Virtual:
The poison dart frog uses private chat to “attack” the other players by sending a private message that says, “nom nom.”
If the player is attacked, they must do a dramatic “You got me!” and duck down.
The detective has 2 guesses to find out who is the poison dart frog.
6) JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD
Pro Tip: Have the students have to travel from one end of a space to the other in order to promote a lot of movement.
Interested in more games and Brain Breaks that work with virtual delivery? Subscribe to Keep Playing and receive weekly emails with curated content to help incorporate play in your school days.
