Few things compare to the joy of recess for kids. It's a time of freedom, exploration, and unstructured play. Not to mention, laughter, grass-stained knees, and fresh air. In Waldorf education, recess is not only about the joy of play, (although that is very important) but it's also about celebrating games that incorporate all the senses, foster cooperation, and emotional regulation.
As more and more recess periods get shortened and kids spend more time with screens, Waldorf recess games aim to give children back the spirit of childhood. And according to the author of our favorite book on the subject, Kim John Payne, we can do this by “reteaching them a forgotten but much-loved language, the language of games.” These Waldorf games hold immense value, providing children with opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and connection with nature.
Today, we'll delve into the world of Waldorf recess games, exploring the simple yet enriching activities that encourage creativity, cooperation, and imagination. From jumping rope to clapping games, these recess games reignite the enduring and classic language of childhood games.
The Importance of Games
Before we dive into specific types of recess games, let's take a moment to appreciate the significance of game play in childhood development. As children play games, they grow, learn and change. The wonderfully comprehensive Waldorf Games Handbook explains how “children often use games to connect with or make sense of their environment, or their family or school situations.” Waldorf recess games also help children to develop gross motor skills, coordination, and strength.
Additionally, Waldorf recess games promote social skills as children learn to navigate group dynamics, share resources, and communicate effectively with their peers. Movement games also engage the senses and promote a healthy development of sensory-motor integration, a process that is essential for the development of brains, bodies, and societal understanding. Healthy movement also opens the door to a receptive learning state for children so by actively engaging their bodies through game play at recess, they arrive back in the classroom ready to learn.
Types of Waldorf Recess Games
There are endless versions and varieties of classic Waldorf recess games, from classic finger games like “The Mice in Our House” to string games like “The Owl.” But what unites all of these strands are the storytelling, song, and rhyming verses that accompany them. In Waldorf education, we talk about the connection between head, hands, and heart, and in Waldorf games there's an added connection between movements and words.
As kids learn the songs or rhymes and match them to movements, they become more grounded in their bodies and more connected to the world around them. According to educator and author Jane Miller, EdD, “Many of the games are characterized by a singing story that allows every single gesture to arise out of a picture full of meaning for the young child.” These full pictures of meaning are learned by heart and stay there for years of play.
The following are a few examples of the categories within the wide range of Waldorf recess games along with the benefits of each one.
String Games
String games are a part of almost every culture and have been a part of the childhood game lexicon for thousands of years. The most well-known are the Cat’s Cradle series of string games but the string games used in Waldorf recess games unite the patterns made in the string with intricate stories that are told as fingers make matching movements. Learning these string games requires a huge amount of visual and spatial reasoning and dexterity. The dexterity required from these games helps children develop the skills and muscle memory for crafting, which is such a vital component in a Waldorf education.
Clapping Games
Clapping games enchant children with their rhythmic beats and spirited chants. These timeless classics, passed down through generations, bring joy and camaraderie to playgrounds everywhere. According to Kim John Payne, “Hand clapping, in sometimes complex patterns, is clearly a social activity that requires close cooperation with another person." As children join hands and synchronize their movements, they develop a sense of rhythm, coordination, and social harmony. Again, Payne says, “The fact that these games are repeated over and over by the players adds to the feeling of security that all rhythmical, predictable activity brings.”
Cooperative Circle Games
Circle games are a staple of Waldorf recess, fostering collaboration, teamwork, and social cohesion. Games like "All My Little Ducks" and "In and Out of the Windows" encourage children to work together towards a common goal while having fun and building connections with their peers. In the Waldorf Games Handbook, this category of games comprises the most entries for ages 3-7 as it is through these shared experiences that children learn the value of cooperation, empathy, and inclusivity, nurturing important social skills that will serve them well beyond the playground. In the circle of Waldorf recess games, every child is valued, every voice is heard, and every moment is infused with the magic of togetherness.
Jump Rope or Skipping Games
Simple yet endlessly entertaining, jump rope is a beloved Waldorf recess activity that promotes cardiovascular health, rhythm, and coordination. Children can take turns jumping solo or collaborate with friends to create intricate group routines, fostering cooperation and creativity. There is a vast treasure trove of jump rope songs that kids can learn to enhance memory. Making up songs and rhythms to accompany the jumping motion is a great way to incorporate lessons on patterns in language and encourage creativity and storytelling. According to Waldorf educators, these classic games are ideal for children ages 6 through 8 who are beginning to experience their separation from the world as the jump rope symbolizes forces and rhythms outside of themselves that they need to understand and accept.
Chasing Games
In the realm of Waldorf recess games, the thrill of the chase is not just a game—it's an invitation to embrace the magic of childhood. As children dash and dart across the playground, they develop agility, coordination, and spatial awareness, all while engaging in active play. In the heart of these games lies the simple joy of movement, as children laugh, run, and explore the world around them. According to the authors of the Waldorf Games Handbook, “Chasing games help develop the capacity for perceiving and then acting. The chasing game shows us how feelings mediate and communicate between the life of thinking and action. In so doing they also cultivate a harmony vital for life.”
Imaginative Play
The above games are a wonderful way to add learning and structure into recess but there is no question that in Waldorf education, imaginative play holds a special place, allowing children to express themselves freely and explore their inner worlds. Encouraging children to engage in imaginative games like "House,” played in a stick-created fort, or "Pretend Cooking” in a mud kitchen, will unleash their creativity and immerse them in imaginary worlds. There is always ample time for this kind of play as this free play is so vital for children.
Games as Nourishment for Children
As you incorporate these joyful games into your children’s outdoor time, know that through their fun and movement they are learning vital skills and important developmental benefits. According to Waldorf educator Sally Goddard Blyth, “Activity is, as a form of nourishment, as important to the developing nervous system as the food children eat.” By embracing outdoor play and the richness of nature, we can lay the foundation for lifelong opportunities for holistic growth and well-being.
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