Games Children Play II

237 fun games for groups and families

Games Children Play II brings together a collection of 237 tried and tested games to play with children and groups of all ages. A companion to the Waldorf Games Handbook for the Early Years (2020), this is a thoroughly updated second edition of the classic, Games Children Play (1996) with new games added in response to popular demand.

Kim John Payne and Cory Waletzko’s Waldorf and Spatial Dynamics® approach is uniquely focused on how games develop children’s spatial awareness, social skills, confidence, and movement in age-appropriate ways. Each game is clearly and simply described, with diagrams and drawings showing how to play. Included are games for improving graceful movement, cooperation, fairness, and equality for the 7- to 10-year-olds, and for 11- to 12-year-olds, games for strengthening courage, accuracy, and teamwork, plus gentle preparation for sports, as well as games for renewing playground culture and holding a DIY Olympic Games.

Ways to develop spatial awareness are described through sports, gymnastics, and outdoor games. Also included are sections on child development, introducing game sessions, children’s temperaments, the senses, tackling children’s problems with play or sports, teaching movement to children, and cultivating the lost art of real-life play with digitally challenged children.

Games vary, depending on the age and number of players. The authors offer tips for the game leaders on meeting various social and emotional needs of the players in a group. Certain new games are highlighted “for children who may struggle to play this game.”