“Kids, let’s go play! What shall we play?”. A familiar question from parents to their children whenever they are bored. Active games are not just a simple form of entertainment, but also beneficial activities that help preschoolers develop comprehensively, both physically and mentally.
Why Are Active Games Important for Preschoolers?
According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hang, lecturer in Preschool Education at Hanoi National University of Education, “Active play is an essential activity in the development of preschoolers. This activity not only helps children improve their health and motor skills but also helps them learn, communicate, solve problems, and develop their imagination.”
Active games offer many practical benefits for preschoolers:
Physical Development
- Physical Fitness Training: Active games like running, jumping, and climbing help children improve their health, enhance physical fitness, and develop muscles and joints.
- Improving Motor Skills: Children learn how to coordinate their hands and feet, maintain balance, and control their bodies flexibly through games.
- Increasing Flexibility: Active games help children train flexibility and agility, making it easier for them to adapt to challenges in life.
Mental Development
- Promoting Thinking Skills: Active games require children to think, strategize, and solve problems during play.
- Training Concentration: Children must focus on the game, follow the rules, and coordinate with playmates.
- Developing Communication Skills: Active games are opportunities for children to communicate, cooperate, share, and learn from friends.
- Reducing Stress: Games help children release energy, reduce stress, and feel happy and relaxed.
Popular Active Games for Preschoolers
Treasure Hunt Game
This game helps children practice memory, logical thinking, and flexible movement.
How to play:
- Prepare a treasure map with special signs (drawings, letters, numbers).
- Hide the treasure (could be toys, candies) according to the map.
- Divide children into groups. Each group will have a map holder who leads their group to find the treasure.
- The group that finds the treasure first wins.
Jump Rope Game
The jump rope game helps children practice hand-foot coordination, balance, and improve health.
How to play:
- Children hold the rope, with both hands holding the ends, and jump over the rope.
- It can be played in groups, divided into two teams.
- The team that jumps the most times wins.
Soccer Game
Soccer is a team-based active game that helps children practice coordination, communication, and strategy.
How to play:
- Divide children into two teams.
- Each team will have a goalkeeper and players.
- The game takes place in a designated field.
- The goal is to score goals into the opponent’s goal.
Notes When Letting Children Play Active Games
- Choose games that are appropriate for the child’s age and abilities: Avoid letting children play games that are too difficult or too dangerous.
- Prepare sufficient equipment and clothing: Ensure safety for children when playing.
- Supervise children while playing: Do not leave children to play alone, especially in dangerous games.
- Create a fun and comfortable atmosphere: Encourage children to participate in games voluntarily, without coercion.
- Always guide children on how to play safely and effectively: Help children understand the rules of the game, how to play safely, and how to behave during the game.
In Conclusion
Active games are beneficial activities that help preschoolers develop comprehensively, both physically and mentally. Parents and teachers should create opportunities for children to participate in active games regularly to help them grow up healthy and well-rounded.