Some Fun Ice Breaking Games for Kids

Here are some very simple and fun games that I had the kids participate in this week in PE at Nanjing International School. Seeing as it is our first week of school, lots of quick, entertaining, yet challenging games are perfect in a situation like this. 

Any ball can be used to play the game, but the bigger the better as it makes for a more complex and challenging task that requires greater communication in order to achieve success. I will highlight the games below. 

Game A) Scoop, Lock, and Deliver
In this game the students, on teams of three or four, must lock arms, scoop a big aerobics ball up to roughly shoulder level and move the ball carefully across the gym and back aiming not to drop the ball along the way. If the ball is dropped, wherever it touches the ground, the team must take three big steps back and keep going. Although it is a race, they need to carefully maneuver their way across the gym ensuring the ball stay in place, on top of locked arms. Here are some pictures of this game in action.

Game B) Back to Back Delivery
The students must somehow wedge the ball behind them using their backs. As a team they must move the ball carefully across the gym and back. Same penalty for dropping the ball (3 steps back from point of contact with the ground)

Game C) Backwards Pass Relay
In this activity, the students must line up in order and pass the ball backwards, over their heads to the person behind them who then passes it on in the same fashion. Once the ball is passed, the students must run to back of the line and continue to receive and pass the ball until the team goes the length of the gym and back. Essentially, the team is moving backwards and passing backwards at the same time. 

Game D) The Great Atop the Head Game
The students love this one. It is very challenging and an excellent culmination to the class. Each team must scoop the ball up and place it atop their heads. Once the ball is in place they have to apply just enough pressure to secure the ball in place and then try to move the length of the gym and back. All of their heads must be at the same level obviously in order for them to establish solid stable contact with the ball. This is a difficult activity and requires tremendous teamwork and communication in order to accomplish the task successfully.