Child development opportunities
* To listen carefully, think and make a decision.
* To talk about the differences between boots and shoes.
* To develop physical skills using legs and feet.
How to play
* Mark two lines on the floor at either end of the room.
* Ask the children to stand behind one starting line.
* Explain that the aim is to get to the other line - the finishing line - as quickly as possibly.
* One child is the caller, and calls out either 'boots' or 'shoes'.
* If the caller shouts 'boots', the other children can take a 'giant-like'
stride as if they are wearing boots.
* If they hear 'shoes', they make a little 'fairy-like' step backwards.
* As the children get used to playing, the caller can add numbers, for example two boots or three shoes.
* The first child to cross the finishing line becomes the caller next time.
Tips
* Take the role of the caller yourself to start the games.
* Do not make the distance between the two lines too great.
* Do not let the caller call out more than a maximum of four or five boots or shoes.
Illustration: Amanda Lillywhite.
For more games, see Acker Backa BOO! - Games to Say and Play From Around the World by Opal Dunn (Frances Lincoln, 10.99)
Copyright Opal Dunn. The author disclaims responsibility for any adverse effects resulting directly or indirectly from the game outlined.
