TABLE & CIRCLE GAMES -

WHY...BECAUSE
1. Each person writes down a question beginning with “Why” Example- Why do cats meow?
2. Fold the top over to hide the question, and pass it the next person who without looking at the question, writes an answer starting with “Because”. Example- Because I hate broccoli! 
3. Read out all the questions and answers.
Why do cats meow? Because I hate broccoli!

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SILENT HANGMAN  Materials: Flip Chart or board and marker or pen.

• Like original hangman, children guess the mystery word; however, they are not allowed to speak while trying to find out the letters.
  This game is a good way to settle children down.
• When a child wants to guess a letter they must draw the letter in the air with an invisible pen.
• Leader will then write it in the kletter if it is correct-or to the side if not.
• The leader should also not be able to talk.

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WORD ASSOCIATION GAME

• Have players sit in a circle.
• Someone in the group whispers one word to the player sitting on his right. This person then passes the first word that comes to his mind to the person on his right. This continues around the circle.
• The last person ends by saying their word out loud.
• Thegroup compares it to the original word.
• Have each person around the circle say his or her word to see how crazy the associations became!
• The mext time, have a new leader begin with a new word.

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LIAR-LIAR
Select a small object and have players sit in a circle. As the object is passed from person to person, each player must come up with an incredible story or fantasy about the object being passed.
For example, "This watch saved a man's life when it stopped a bullet while he was fighting in a war." After everyone has finished, ask the group members which tale they enjoyed most. The person with the most entertaining lie has the dubious honor of being the least-trusted person in the group!

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SILLY SENTENCES

• Have players sit in a circle. The object of the game is to pass a sentence around from person to person, changing one word each time.
• The first person begins with a simple sentence.
  Example: "The dog went to sleep."
• The next person responds in an outraged tone, "No! The hippo went to sleep," changing only one word.
• The next person might say, "No! The hippo went to Pittsburgh," and so on.
• Allow just a few seconds for thought.
• If someone gets stuck, go to the next person. Encourage the most unusual word combinations, and don't worry if they don't make sense!

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Have everyone get in a circle and clap hands to the beat. (clapping hands is optional)
Start with the letter "A".
Example:
"The minister’s cat is an Angry Cat",
"The minister’s cat is a Black cat". Etc.

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JUMBLED MESSAGES …

• Each player or Team calls out a random letter of the alphabet until there are a dozen in all.
• The players then have 15 minutes to compose a message --each word beginning with the chosen letters and in that order.
• Example: If the letters shouted out were S.S.E.H.I.P.C.E.A.P.A.Z… The message could be SEVEN SWEATY ELEPHANTS HAVE INVADED PITCH. CROWD EXTREMELY AGITATED. PLEASE ADVISE ZEBEDEE.
• The winner (individual or team) is the one judged to have come up with the cleverest offering.
• An alternative method of play is to select a word from a newspaper or magazine and to build a message; each word sjould begin with the letters of the chosen word and in that order. Example: RESTORED could end up as RANDY EARL STARTS TO OGLE RETIRED ENTOMOLOGIST'S DAUGHTER.

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CATEGORIES
Players: 2 or more

• The players write down a list of a dozen categories such as: fish, flower, fruit, vegetable, animal, bird, country, town, river, boy's name, girl's name, and famous person.
• A letter of the alphabet is then chosen at random and the players have five minutes in which to write a word for each category beginning with the chosen letter.
• For example with a chosen letter of "B", the list could be Barbell, Buddleia, Blackberry, Beetroot, Bison, Bittern, Bulgaria, Basingstoke, Bur, Brian, Beth and Beethoven.
• The players read out their lists in turn.
• Each word which is not on any other player's list scores a point. The winner is the player with most points.

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WORD BUILDER

• 10 or more players are given the same word, preferably something long like 'INTELLIGENT' or 'HYPOTHETICAL' and have 10 minutes in which to write as many words as they can using the letters at the start of the word.
• Words must be at least four letters long and foreign words, plurals, abbreviations and proper nouns are not allowed.
• A beginning letter can only be used in a word as many times as it appears in the 'starter word'.
• The winner is the player with most acceptable words, in case of disputes; it is advisable to keep a dictionary handy.

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BACKWARDS NAMES...
Each person writes their name backwards on a file card. The cards are put in a pile in the center of the group. In turn, each person picks up a file card from the pile, and reads out what it says. The group must guess whose name it is that is backwards. Example: A rab rab = Barbara

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A Variation of Crossword (On chalkboards or poster paper...)
Print a long word horizontally. If you are having a "Theme Day or Week"--choose a word related to the theme.

• Kids  build words from the original "started word". The first couple words built from the "original' word should go vertically, so additional words can be thought of. Following words can then go vertical or horizontal.
• Encourage kids to write words neatly and with as many letters as possible. This can be played with two kids or  with a few in teams.
• An example on how to start:
  
  VACATION
  I
  C
  TREAT
  O
  R
  Y

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RUMORS

• Select Teams. The first person on each team goes out of the area and all team captains together make up a message.
• This same message will be used by all teams.
• On the sign to start, the first captain of each team whispers the Rumor to the next person on their team. They will whisper the Rumor to the next - and so on.
• The last person to receive the Rumor will run to the black board, white board, or flip chart and WRITES THE MESSAGE.
• The closest correct message to the Rumor wins

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BUILDING WORDS
For players who can read and spell yet.

• The first person writes down a letter.
• The next person adds a letter, and must have a word in mind.
• The next player adds another letter, again working towards spelling out a word.
• Next player adds another letter, and so on, until nobody can add another letter.
• If you think the other player doesn't have a word in mind, you can challenge him, and if he can't tell you the word, he's out.

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SPELL OFF... (Game)
Required: Interesting words, paper and markers
Players: Small to medium groups

• Gather a list of words that are interesting, long or hard to spell and make sure you know the correct spelling and definitions. The words can also be names of places or destinations around the world.
• Each team of 3-5 people will have paper and marker to record their answers or they can use small white boards.
• After you say each word, teams will be given 10-15 seconds to write out the correct spelling and to either give the definition or location.
• Only one answer per team will be accepted.
• The teams will receive 1 point for correct spelling and 2 points for the definition or location.
• The team that ends up with the most points wins the game. Created by R. Scheel, Fun-Attic Inc.

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RYHME THAT WORD!

• Think of words.
• Children take turns seeing how many “real” rhyming words they can think of.
• When one word is worn out, choose another word. Remind the kids to use “nice” words only!
• Example: Rhyme words with “time”...
  Chime, climb, crime, dime, grime, I’m, lime, mime, prime rhyme, thyme, slime, bedtime, centime, daytime, enzyme, lifetime, mealtime, meantime, nighttime, pastime, ragtime, sometime, springtime, sublime, maritime, overtime, pantomime, paradigm

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ALPHABET ANIMAL GAME

1. Think of an animal that begins with the letter 'A'--Example: Ant
2. The next person thinks of an animal which begins with the last letter of "that animal".
Example: Ant=An(t) = (T)urtle.
The following could say Turtl(e)= E-Elephant
3. Continue the pattern until someone fails to think of an animal.
Activity Extension: Try using fruits, vegetables, cars, places, etc.

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BODY WORD-FORMING GAME
This game should be played with 20 or more kids. Divide into two even teams. The leader should have large letters drawn on a piece of paper so that each teammate can pin it on them self.

• All letters should be different, but both teams may have the same vowels. When the leader gives the signal, players try to spell a word by linking arms with teammates.
• As a word is formed, the players go to the leader with their arms linked to get a point counted for their team.
• The players then break up and try to find new letters to form a word.
• If a team can spell a five letter word, that team gets 2 points.
  Give  15 minutes to play the game. At the end of the game add up the points, and that will determine your winner. You will see competition at its finest.

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GROUP BODY SPELLING
1. Players start in groups of five (number can vary depending on the size of group).
2.  Each group stands in a straight line beside one another.
3. The leader asks players to use their bodies (with each group member involved) to spell words.
4. The words are formed one at a time, starting with a word with five letters, to a word withone letter.
CANDY, FOUR, YOU, ME and I.
5. Stress the use of creativity –
Example: “I”-everyone could point to their eye.

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THREE NOUNS

 1. Think up three nouns.

2. Everyone takes turns creating a sentence with those three nouns.

3. Alternate the noun giver and sentence makers.
         An example for the nouns: Orange, dog, store
         "The DOG is happy because
          ORANGE colored chew bones
          are stocked at the STORE."

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MORE GAMES TO PROMOTE LITERACY...

TREASURE HUNT

• Depending on how many youth are in your group this day, divide them into one to four teams. 
• Make up clues and scatter them all over the program area (or outside if weather permits).
• Each clue leads to the next and at the end of the trail is a treasure for the team, for example, food, party favors, or prizes.

Tip: Color Code clues so teams only look for and find their own clues. Time the hunt and see which team gets done first. 

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OUTSIDE ALPHABET SCAVENGER HUNT

• Form groups or teams and go for a walk trying to find one item that begins with every letter of the alphabet.
• Make a list from "A to Z" and see which group can come up with then most items in the allotted time.
• For each letter on the sheet, groups write down the item they see.

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INSIDE ALPHABET SCAVENGER HUNT
(The same as above --but inside)
Form groups or teams and go for a walkabout of selected area trying to find one item that begins with every letter of the alphabet. Make a list from "A to Z" and see which group can come up with then most items in the allotted time.

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 ***JUMP ROPE using Rhymes. Click here for Rhymes

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THERE'S LOTS OF WAYS TO TELL A STORY!

CONTINUE TO READ ALOUD TO CHILDREN
A child's interest level is often much higher than his or her reading level. If children are to grow up loving books and reading they need to be exposed to the most interest books available. Sometimes you will want to read chapter-books to school age children, but don't discontinue reading picture books. Picture books expose children to a variety of art styles and beautiful works of art.

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GROUP CIRCLE STORY: Form a circle and have one person start a story. Use an object such as a small ball; when the first person is done with his/her two or three lines, the object is passed along, until the story is complete. Telling the story works best when the sentences are stopped at mid-point. The last person completes the entire sentence. You could also write it down and then read it aloud, or record it with a tape player or digital recorder and listen to it when you're finished. It's sure to get a few laughs! (And Yes! The story will be silly!)

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STORY TELLING ON LONG ROLL OF PAPER
The procedure is the same as above; however, it is written on paper. Have each child use a different color marker and stop in mid-sentence, until the last sentence completes the story. This can be on-going; as children pass by, they fill in a sentence or two.

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MAKE A STORY COLLAGE

1. Start by having each child think of the type of story they want to create. Then go through the magazines and help them cut out different pictures that go along with their story line.

2. Use the glue to attach the pictures to the paper and then write the part of the story that goes with the picture underneath with pen or marker.

3. You can make these “books” as long or short as you want and after the pages have dried completely,you can use a three-hole puncher and some brass brads to make them into books that can be shared among other kids.
This is a great activity to also help promote reading and how much fun it can be. Adapted from: essortment.com

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***Idea: Group children and write a part two to a children's book from the point of view of another character. What I do is read the children the Three Little Pigs then The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. Then I allow them to work in groups of their choice to write their own "true story". I then have the book bound (one for each group member, one for the program, and one for the school Kindergarten class). From Tasha Palmer in Vista, California

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CREATE A BOOK...To create a own book you’ll need paper, a variety of magazines, some glue, pens or markers and scissors.

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CONTINUEING STORY
Get children in line and begin telling a silly story. Then go down the line and point to people randomly. They continue from where the last person left off-making it up as they go along. If children are younger you can give them a little time to think about it. Move to the next child if they hesitate too long or repeat what the last person says. (With elimination-always be sure to do so in light and fun manner!)

• Give each child (or a team of 2 or 3 children) newspapers, scissors, glue, and notebook paper.
• Have each child cut words and sentences from newspaper and magazine pages ---and combine them to create a unique story.
• Have children arrange their sentences on the notebook paper and glue them in place. (They could also be illustrated)
• A theme for the stories can be decided beforehand. Encourage the children to share their stories with each other. Stories could also be kept for other children to read in the future...

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ONE WORD AT A TIME...

• Players start sitting in a circle. The leader gives the players a topic such as Food.
• One player starts with a word.

The player of the right adds a word and so forth until all the players have had a chance to contribute a word to make up a story about food. Variation: Depending on the number of players the leader may go 
two or three times around the circle. This activity can be more difficult than it sounds!

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TURKEY CALLING CONTEST

 • Host a turkey calling contest, complete with lots of squawking, flapping, wattle shaking, and pecking. Give participants a prize with fun distinctions:
 • "Loudest turkey", "Most authentic", "Most likely to be spared", "Cutest turkey", etc. This activity can also be turned into a relay race with the group split into two teams. Loud, but fun! (Ages 4-Adult)

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THANKSGIVING WORD FIND
Take a Thanksgiving related word such as: Thanksgiving, Mayflower, Cornucopia, etc. and find as many little words as possible within before the timer runs out.
Example: Cornucopia Words: corn, pin, no, arc, car, nip, cop, cup, on, or, rap...
Example: Mayflower Words: May, flower, flow, flare, lay, low, fear, ear, owe, fly, rye, wear, row...

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WHERE IS MR. TURKEY?
   • Instead of saying "warmer or cooler" you gobble!
   • One player is the hunter and the others are helpers.
   • The hunter leaves the room.
   • The helpers hide a small toy turkey or a turkey cut-out, or laminated drawing, etc.
   • The hunter returns with a mission to find the turkey. Helpers give clues by "gobbling" like turkeys.
   • If the hunter is not close, the helpers gobble very quietly. As the hunter gets closer, the helpers gobble more and more loudly until Mr. Turkey is found!
   • With a larger program this could be a 'choice' game or play with different groups at different times. (While the program is going on with choices of activities, kids could sign-up on pre-made sheet for their game time and group!)
   • Also good at the last half hour of a Center program when the numbers of children are lower and everything is cleaned up
 
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TURKEY WALK (good for Pre-K to Gr.2)
Play music of your choice and encourage the children to move like...
    • BIG turkeys
    • Little turkeys
    • Tired turkeys
    • Happy turkeys
    • Scared turkeys
    • Etc.
    Make it more interesting by choosing music based on the movement you'd like to elicit.

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TURKEY HUNT
Hunt quietly; you don't want to scare the turkeys...

On a dozen or more  index cards, draw or paste a picture of a turkey. The amount of cards you will have depends on the number of children you have--and how many groups they will be divided into. Each group should consist of about 12 hunters (children) and 12 cards.

1. To play, everyone leaves the room except the leader. The leader hides the cards around the room. Hunters return and begin the hunt.
2. As each turkey is found, it is brought back to the leader who corrals them in a separate pile for each hunter. When all the turkeys have been found, the hunter with the most turkeys is the winner and becomes the leader for the next round.

  • This can be done in groups and groups work together!
  • Each group would have a leader.
  • Hide the  turkey cards and then all hunters find cards that have been hid.
  • The top finder in each Team-becomes the new leader for that Team.
Tip:
Let children make the cards before the Holiday. They'll find lots of magazine pictures and can color some as well!

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CORNUCOPIA GAME...  

Players sit on chairs forming a circle. There should be one more player than there are chairs. The player without a chair is the leader.
The leader points to each of the other players to give them a name, such as "Cranberry, Corn, Apple, Turkey," anything related to Thanksgiving.

1. After names are chosen, the leader calls out two names,
"Turkey and potato."
2. Those two players must quickly switch places. The leader keeps calling at a quick pace, until suddenly she says "The cornucopia has tipped over!"
3. Everyone, including the leader, then scrambles for a new place. 4. The player with out a seat is the new leader.
More Info: The leader may give the same name to more than one person.
This game can be confusing at first, but it is fun! Source: AmazingMoms.com
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TURKEY TROT GAME

Required: A Turkey Mascots
You can make a mascot by taping a colored-paper turkey head to one end of a football. You can also simply stuff a brown bag with crumpled newspaper and draw on a face with colored markers.
 
Directions:
1. In this wacky outdoor contest, team players join up with their elbows linked, and each team is handed a turkey mascot.
2. On cue, the pairs try to make their way to the finish line at the far end of the playing field.

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PASS THE CORN GAME (Ages 4 - 10)
Divide the children into two teams (or as many as you need) and have them form two lines. You will need a cob of dried Indian corn for each team.
 
1. At the signal "go", the corncob is to be passed from child to child. The catch is that they can use any part of their bodies, except their hands.
2. If the corn touches the ground at any time, it must go back to the beginning of the line again.
3. Whichever team manages to get the corn to the end of the line first wins the game.
4. The corn can also be used in a relay, with the kids putting the corn between their knees, and racing "crab" style".

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TURKEY STRUT (For younger children)

1. Use pieces of masking tape to make turkey footprints all over the floor.
2. Start playing music.
3. Have children pretend to be turkeys and strut around the room.
4.When you stop the music, have the turkeys find footprints to stand on (one turkey to a footprint).
5. When you start the music again, have the turkeys continue strutting around the room.

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THANKSGIVING DINNER GAME: This is good one to remember at line-waiting transition times.

Players sit in a circle (or stand in a line because of waiting...) The first player starts by saying, "At Thanksgiving dinner I like to eat turkey". The next player must repeat "At Thanksgiving dinner I like to eat turkey..." and add another dish. This continues all the way around the circle or down the line-- with each student reciting the dishes in the exact order they have been given and then adding a new one. If a student makes a mistake they slide out of the circle or move to the front of the line and the game continues. The person left who can perfectly recite the Thanksgiving menu wins.

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TWENTY QUESTIONS THANKSGIVING STYLE

1. Choose someone or something related to Thanksgiving.
2. One player says "I am thinking of a person, place or thing"
3. The other players try to guess what it is by asking no more than twenty questions which can be answered "yes," "no," or "I don't know."

Suggestion: Make a flip chart with numbers from 1 to 20--so each time a question is asked --the number is flipped. This can also be played with other holidays/themes/seasons!

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Turn every day games into Thanksgiving Games!

   • INSTEAD of Duck, Duck, Goose...play DUCK, DUCK, TURKEY!
   • Play "PIN the WATTLE on the Turkey" instead of Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
   • Instead of Simon says-play the TURKEY SAYS...
   • Use Candy Corn to play Bingo

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THANKERCHIEF

Arrange the children/players in a circle. Pass around a "thankerchief" (handkerchief) around as everyone recites this poem:

Thankerchief, thankerchief, around you go --
Where you'll stop, nobody knows.
But when you do, someone must say,
What they are thankful for this day.

The player holding the "thankerchief" when the poem ends, must
say aloud, one thing for which they are thankful. This continues until everyone has had a turn.

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If you haven't checked out the FALL/AUTUMN GAMES-do so now. There are more than 25 using pumpkins, gourds and leaves that would be great for Thanksgiving!  An  example is:

PIE EATER TAG GAME!
Good for October to December because of apple and pumpkin pies!

• Split the students into two different groups; one is apple pie and the other group is pumpkin pie.
• Have one student be the pie eater, who will be standing on the center line. The pie eater can only move from side to side on the center line.
• All the students say to the pie eater, "Pie eater, pie eater are you hungry?" The pie eater responds with a 'yes or no' answer.
• If the answer is no, the pies (students) ask again.
• If the answer is yes, then the pies ask again, "What kind of pie would you like?"
• The pie eater then says apple or pumpkin and that pie tries to make it to the other side.
• If the pie is tagged, then they become a pie eater.