YOUR CHILDREN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume LXIII, Issue 3249, 6 February 1933, Page 2

YOUR CHILDREN.

How Do They Play? Have you noticed how, when children are left to play together, they are often at a loose end just how to start, or indulge in “squabbles” because there are differences of opinion as to Just which game shall be played? For children to get real benefit games there is nothing like having a grown-up to supervise and "incite” them. There must be no feeling of supervision, of course, for that would completely spoil the “play” idea. Somebody who is thoroughly sympathetic towards youngsters and has not quite forgotten the feelings of childhood, however, can infuse enthusiasm and real enjoyment into what would otherwise be quite tame play hours. At Continental seaside resorts it is the usual thing to have a games organiser on the beach, and the way the children flock round him shows how much they appreciate his presence. Usually a speciality is made of games that encourage physical fitness, and the children do not realise that he is in reality an instructor, so tactfully does he do his work. If the same idea were followed in this country not only at the seaside, but all through the school holidays where there are several families of children living closely together, they would benefit in health, learn the value of team work, and mothers would be saved much anxiety when they themselves were unable to keep an eye.on them. A friend who is fond of children would love such a chance! Games can be chosen according to the number who will play, and it snould be arranged as far as possible that they are all kept busy all the time. Being simply a spectator does not appeal to the average child. For large numbers of children games of the “B'ollow my Leader” variety, where actions are started by the leader and all the rest copy his movements, are useful. Children are excellent imitators, and the leader can use actions that have a definite physical advantage and know that the children will follow them almost, if not quite, perfectly, and so unconsciously gala great benefit. Music is always a great help In getting correct rhythmical action, and for small groups of children a portable gramophone will be found very useful. Folk dances can be taught as games, and for these again the gramophone will come in bandy. Much enthusiasm is usually shown for this kind of “play,” for every child loves to dance. Maypole dances can be enjoyed by a small or a large number, too, and, like folk dances, will teach grace of action and correct breathing if a little unobstrusive instruction is given along with the directions. Competitive games always appeal and give the children something definite to strive for. For big parties Individual competition has to give place to team competition and push-ball, football and other games in which sides are chosen, are then good. Races of various sorts do for either small or large parties, for in the latter case they can be run off in heats until the winner is finally discovered. You will find that if children are directed in this way they will become very keen on all games, and will enjoy themselves ten times as well as if simply left to their own devices to play in a haphazard way.