EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Lesson 22: Out door play activities in ECE center

Games

The formal and informal games can be organized in the ECCE center. Both individual and group games should be given to the children. They promote social interaction and motor coordination in the children. The complexity of the games can be increased as the age advances. Outdoor games are those which are generally played outside, preferably in an open space. Running, Jumping, Swinging, ball games and hide and seek are the games generally played outside. These games are useful for physical development through body exercise and scope to develop larger muscles.

It is very important for planning centers with adequate outdoor space for these activities. There is a wide variety of outdoor play equipment that must be considered and installed for children’s use. Children should not only get adequate space but cool breeze and mild sun rays for their health. The children in preschool can be given games with simple rules for example walk in a circle, jump from one circle to another, and passing a ball etc. Structured games like games with more rules and regulations, for example cycle race, treasure hunt, kerchief game, hide and seek and statue game etc. can be given to pre- primary children.