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Tag / Capture the Flag
Tag and capture the flag are two great games with hundreds of variations. They can be played with little to no equipment. All you need is some space, some friends and an agreed upon set of rules to play. The best part is, you can change up the games every time you play to keep things interesting. You can even change up the rules to make the game better when you have more space, or less space. |
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Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts involve a little bit of preparation, but usually not too much. If our team builders go out and find a variety of things (some easier to find, some harder), then write them down in a list - then all you need to do is get some teams together. If you click on the image to the left, you will find a list from previous years that can be adapted to make starting up the game even easier. How can you prove that each group found the items? Maybe bring an iPad around with you and photograph each item you find. |
Two Truths and a Lie
This game is a great game to get to know each other. Rather than sitting in a circle, we get to wander around the classroom and mingle with the members of the class. After we shake hands with another member of the class, we help them to get to know us by telling them a few things about ourselves. Two of the things we tell them are true - but one of the things we tell them is a LIE! The person we meet will have to take a guess as to which things are true, and which thing is a lie. They will also tell us two truths and a lie so that we can also guess which thing they said is a fib. It's fun to be creative and it's a fun game to get to know a few things about our community.
This game is a great game to get to know each other. Rather than sitting in a circle, we get to wander around the classroom and mingle with the members of the class. After we shake hands with another member of the class, we help them to get to know us by telling them a few things about ourselves. Two of the things we tell them are true - but one of the things we tell them is a LIE! The person we meet will have to take a guess as to which things are true, and which thing is a lie. They will also tell us two truths and a lie so that we can also guess which thing they said is a fib. It's fun to be creative and it's a fun game to get to know a few things about our community.
I Like My Neighbours
In this game, you will find out who is like you. All members of the community sit in chairs around the circle, with one member standing in the middle. The person in the middle makes a statement like, "I like my neighbours, especially those that are wearing black shoes." Anyone wearing black shoes must jump up from their seats and find another chair. The person in the middle also scrambles for any empty chair. Whoever is left standing is the new person in the middle.
In this game, you will find out who is like you. All members of the community sit in chairs around the circle, with one member standing in the middle. The person in the middle makes a statement like, "I like my neighbours, especially those that are wearing black shoes." Anyone wearing black shoes must jump up from their seats and find another chair. The person in the middle also scrambles for any empty chair. Whoever is left standing is the new person in the middle.
Wink Murder
In this game, we get to show off our acting chops, yet again. We also get to try and solve a mystery! In this game, we sit in a circle as a community. One person, the "police officer," leaves the classroom while the person who is "it" is selected. When the police officer comes back into the class, he or she is informed that their is a "murderer" amongst the group. This person will wink (or stick their tongue out, if they can't wink) at people in the community. If a member of the community makes eye contact with the murderer, and the murderer winks at them, then the member of the community must wait for a few moments, and then proceed to perform the world's greatest "death scene." Once they "pass," they must remain quiet and still for the rest of the game (there are no "talking ghosts" in this game). The "police officer" must try and guess who the murderer is as soon as possible. But they only have three guesses to get it right.
In this game, we get to show off our acting chops, yet again. We also get to try and solve a mystery! In this game, we sit in a circle as a community. One person, the "police officer," leaves the classroom while the person who is "it" is selected. When the police officer comes back into the class, he or she is informed that their is a "murderer" amongst the group. This person will wink (or stick their tongue out, if they can't wink) at people in the community. If a member of the community makes eye contact with the murderer, and the murderer winks at them, then the member of the community must wait for a few moments, and then proceed to perform the world's greatest "death scene." Once they "pass," they must remain quiet and still for the rest of the game (there are no "talking ghosts" in this game). The "police officer" must try and guess who the murderer is as soon as possible. But they only have three guesses to get it right.
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Darling I Love You
The community sits in a circle with one person in the middle acting as the person who is "it." The person in the middle must go up to one person sitting in the circle, make eye contact with them, and without touching them in any way, say to them, "Darling I love you, won't you please, please smile." The person sitting in the circle must maintain eye contact the whole time, and then, without smiling or laughing, respond with, "Darling I love you, but I just can't smile." If the person sitting in the circle laughs or smiles in any way, then they become the new "it" person in the middle. |
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Bang
The community stands around in a circle, with one member of the community standing in the middle. The person in the middle randomly calls out the name of someone standing in the circle. When that person hears their name, they try to duck as quickly as possible. The people on either side of the person whose name was called point their "guns" at him or her and say BANG when they hear the name called. If the person whose name called does not duck quickly enough, they are "shot" by the gun and must sit out. If they duck in time, who ever shoots the slowest of the people on either side loses the showdown and are out in their place. The quickest draw will ultimately be the winner. |
Repeat After Me
In repeat after me, one member of the community must guess who is starting the trend. Sometimes it's quite difficult to figure out where these things begin. The members of the community sit in a circle while one person, who is "it" steps outside of the class. While they are outside, one person is nominated to be the leader. The leader starts an action (tapping on their knees, waving to the audience, clapping their hands, etc.), and all other members of the class must follow (and try not to look directly at the leader while they're doing it). The person who is "it" comes back into the class and must try and guess who the leader is. If they can guess within three guesses, then they win.
In repeat after me, one member of the community must guess who is starting the trend. Sometimes it's quite difficult to figure out where these things begin. The members of the community sit in a circle while one person, who is "it" steps outside of the class. While they are outside, one person is nominated to be the leader. The leader starts an action (tapping on their knees, waving to the audience, clapping their hands, etc.), and all other members of the class must follow (and try not to look directly at the leader while they're doing it). The person who is "it" comes back into the class and must try and guess who the leader is. If they can guess within three guesses, then they win.
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Knots
We've all been frustrated at some point in our life trying to untie something that is stuck in knots. Whether it's our shoes, or our headphones, we have all been there. Untying something requires patience and perseverance. But what happens when it is us that is tied up? In this game, we will get into a small group and stand, shoulder to shoulder, in a circle. Once we are in a circle, we reach out and grab a hand of someone that is not next to us. You must make sure that you are grabbing the hand of two different people. If possible, try not to criss-cross your arms. Now, your goal is to untangle yourself and get back into your circle again! |
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Charades / Pictionary
Charades and Pictionary are easy games to learn, but hard games to master. You make teams, when it is your teams turn, one person goes to the front of the class and either acts out (Charades) or draws (Pictionary) a word that is unknown to the rest of their team. Their team tries to guess what the word is. If they can't guess, other teams have the opportunity to steal the point. If you click on the picture to the left, you will go to a website that can help you by generating random words for you to use in your game. Remember, there are lots of different rules for these games, so make sure you all agree on the rules before the game begins. |
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Ladder Toss
Ladder Toss is a game much like some of our other games. It is played with Two teams, consisting of two players, compete against one another until a winning team is determined. The Players stand next to the ladder and alternate pitching the balls on a string until each player has pitched all four. You then calculate the score. After that, the Players at the other Ladder will pitching back to the First Ladder. If the balls attached to the top row, it is worth three points. The middle row is worth two points. And the Bottom row is worth one point. |
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BulzIBucket
BulzIBucket is just like Ladder Toss. There are four balls and the tossers alternate after each throw. The top bucket is worth three points, the middle bucket is worth two points and the bottom bucket is worth one point. The only difference with this game is that your partner can help you to get the ball into the bucket by giving it a little kick (or Hacky) into the bucket! |
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Cornhole
Cornhole is a game played with Two teams, consisting of two players, compete against one another until a winning team is determined. The Players stand next to the board and alternate pitching bags until each player has pitched all four of his/her bags. You then calculate the score. After that, the Players at the other board will pitching back to the other board. Normally we play with "cancellation" scoring, but we can play by just adding the scores up. Any bag which comes to rest anywhere on top of the board. Each is worth one point. Any bag which is thrown through the hole or knocked through the hole by another bag. Each is worth three points. All four bags resting on the board is a bonus one point. |
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Washer Toss
Washer Toss is just like Cornhole. The only difference is that you are tossing washers instead of bean bags. In this game, if the washer lands in the centre hole it is worth three points and if it lands in the box, but not in the hole, it is worth one point. Washer Toss is probably one of the hardest games, so if you're having trouble, you can move the boxes closer together. Also, in Washer Toss, if you land the washer right on the edge of the wood you win automatically. I have never seen it happen though! |
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KanJam
Kanjam has a similar style, but you play with your partner. The first partner tosses the frisbee and the other partner stands behind the Kan and helps to deflect the frisbee inside. Then your partner tosses the frisbee back and does the same thing. After that, the two opponents have a chance to toss the frisbee. If you throw the frisbee and your partner deflects it off the Kan, it is worth one point. If you throw it and it hits the Kan directly, it is worth two points and if you throw it and your partner deflects it into the Kan, it is worth three points. If you throw it and it goes directly into the Kan the game is over and you win! |
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Bocce
Bocce is a pretty simple game. You have a white small ball and 4 colored balls. One player tosses the white ball a certain distance away and then tries to throw one of their colored ball as close as possible to the white ball. Each player alternates throwing their balls until they are done. Whoever has the closest ball to the white ball gets a point. If you have more than one ball that is the closest, then you add up your total points. For example, if two of my balls are closer to the white ball than your four, I get two points. |
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Yahtzee
A classic game that can be played online or using dice and a game board. So how do we play?
For more detailed rules Check out this Link. |
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Backgammon
A great game that is over 5000 years old. It can be played with two players, or Online. In short, you roll the dice to try and move your pieces off the board before your opponent does. To find out more about how to play the game, click on the Link or get a friend to explain the rules. Even if you.do not have the game board, you could always make your own pieces and board with a little bit of creativity. |
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Cribbage
Cribbage is another wonderful game that can be played online or with two or three people. Like backgammon, this game is best played when you have a game board to help keep track of your pieces. It differs from backgammon though, in that this game is played with cards instead of dice. In fact, Cribbage has many rules, including a game within the game. The rules can be found here. Like any game though, it's best if you find a friend to play with that can help explain the game to you while you play. Just make sure they know the rules! |
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Scrabble
Scrabble can also be played online, or against one to three opponents. It is best when played using the game board, but if you do not have anyone to play with, or you do not have access to the board, you can always play the game online. The rules of the game are not that complicated, but a skilled opponent can be tough to beat. For official rules, click here. |
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Chess
Chess is one of the oldest games. It is a game played by young and old and a game that you can play against anyone, anywhere in the world. If you want to learn, or improve your game, the best way is to learn and practice with players that are better than you. If you want to play for fun, you can play anyone. If you click on the picture to the left, it will take you to chess.com. This website is free, but if you have an account (like we do), you can do different chess puzzles, learn by taking lessons and you can play against the computer, or opponents from all over the world. |
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Early Bird Questions
These skill testing questions and their answers (you can only access the answers by clicking on the link if you have the password) are a great way to start off the day. They combine many of the Brain teaser type questions below, including riddles, word association, lateral thinking problems, Math challenges and Rebus puzzles. See how many you can answer correctly over the year and share them with your family and friends.
We can also organise a Trivia Night by making different categories and teams. You could even make your own Kahoot Quizzes! |
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Crosswords / Word Searches / Sudoku
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Crossword Puzzles, Word Searches and Sudoku are classics. They come in different levels of difficulty and can be something you do for fun, but also to train your vocabulary development. as well as your mathematical and problem solving skills. To the right you will find pictures that can click on that will take you to a website with numerous printable puzzles. Start with the easier ones and work your way up for a bigger challenge.
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Rebus Puzzles
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A rebus is a puzzle device that combines the use of illustrated pictures with individual letters to depict words or phrases.
To find the answers to the pictures, you can click on the following link. Try to see how many of the answers you can get. |
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Spot the Difference
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You have probably seen games like this before. We have two pictures, or a split picture, where some items are slightly different from one side to the other. Can you figure out what is different about the pictures? There are some great online versions for these types of games. Click on the picture to the right to go to a website that has hundreds of these fun puzzles.
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Wooden and Metal Puzzles
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There are a number of different metal and wooden puzzles that we can try. The purpose of these puzzles is not just to take them apart, but to be able to put them back together again. Puzzles like these come in different difficulty levels, so always try to start from the easiest ones and work your way up in challenge.
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