Game time is where shy kids open up, friendships form and teams learn to cheer each other on. Here are easy, tested ideas that work in a gym, a fellowship hall or a classroom, plus simple ways to help kids really connect.
Not every great moment is a race. These favorites from our leaders help kids know each other, and help you know them.
Grab any object: a stuffed animal, a beanbag, even a marker. Ask a fun question like "What's your favorite food?" or "If you could have any superpower, what would it be?" Kids raise their hands, and whoever gets the object gets to answer.
Why it works: only the person holding the object talks, so everyone gets a turn to be heard.
Use kids' answers to invent an imaginary planet together. What color is the sky? What do the animals eat? What's the planet's favorite game? Sketch it on a whiteboard as the ideas pile up.
Bonus: end by talking about how God made our real world, and everything in it, on purpose.
Go around the circle and let each kid share a high from their week. Sharing a low is always optional, but everyone shares a high.
Why it works: kids learn their group cares about their life, and you learn what to pray about.
Simple rules, little setup, lots of laughing. Adjust for your space and group size.
Great for Cubbies® and young Sparks® kids.
We'd love to hear it! Send it our way and it may show up here for other leaders to try.