Games Without Music for Children.

by Lois Bates.

PREFACE

THE object of these Games is to introduce variety when it is needed in the ordinary school routine, and to form a means of recreation to the children when unfavourable weather makes the usual playtime impossible.

Those of the Games referring to special subjects, such as 'Sewing,'

etc., may be used in the lesson time devoted to such subjects, and the 'Guessing Rhymes,' Nos. 51 to 97, may sometimes be given between lessons. For notes on these, see p. 87.

'Games for the Playground' and a few of those immediately preceding are old games with new rhymes.

It is hoped that some of the plays (Nos. 12 to 20, _e.g._) will help to teach the children important truths that are difficult for them to learn in the abstract, but which represented and practised in childish play may make an impression on their plastic little minds. Many of the Games are suitable for home use, and will probably be played there by the children after being learnt in school.

If the Games help to make school brighter and pleasanter for teacher and children their object will be gained.

LOIS BATES.

SALTAIRE.

I. GAMES FOR THE SCHOOLROOM

1. _LAYING THE BREAKFAST-TABLE_

1. SPREAD the cloth--this is the way, Cups and saucers, where are they?

2. Put them at one end in rows, See, a spoon with each one goes.

3. One plate for each person bring, And a napkin in a ring.

4. Here's a jug of milk so hot, Sugar next, and coffee-pot.

5. Bread and b.u.t.ter place we here, Then we get the chairs, my dear.

6. Ring the bell, and all sit round, Each should in his place be found.

_Directions._--The table may be laid by two children only, or several may be employed, but different children should take part each time the game is played, so that all may learn how to carry the cups, &c., and how to place them.

_Verse 1._ Two little girls step forward and lay the cloth.

_Verse 2._ The cups and saucers are brought on a tray, and placed in rows at one end of the table.

_Verse 3._ One child brings plates on a tray and places them one by one round the table, while another follows with serviettes on a small tray, and places one to the right of each plate.

_Verse 4._ The sugar, milk, &c., are placed in position.

_Verse 5._ One or two plates of bread and b.u.t.ter are put on the table, and then the chairs are placed ready.

_Verse 6._ The bell is rung, and the children who are to sit at table take their places.

2. _THE BREAKFAST PARTY_

This game may be played immediately after the one preceding, or it may be used alone. The children seat themselves at the table, the 'Mother'

sitting at one end and the 'Father' at the other. When all the cups are filled and pa.s.sed, the following lines are repeated:

1. [1]Little hands are folded while the grace is said, 'Father, G.o.d, we thank Thee for our daily bread.'

2. [2]Let us stir our coffee, softly, gently, so, [3]Then the spoon in saucer quietly must go.

3. When you eat and drink, dears, do not make a noise, [4]Pa.s.s things to each other, little girls and boys.

[If there is a piano in school, a little music might be played while breakfast is in progress.]

4. When we finish breakfast, [5]hands in lap lay we, Elbows on the table, that should never be!

[1] Fold hands and bow head.

[2] Stir coffee.

[3] Place spoon in saucer.

[4] Pa.s.s bread and b.u.t.ter to each other.

[5] Fold hands in lap.

(For Dinner and Tea Table songs, see Appendix I.)

3. _CLEARING THE TABLE_

(For directions as to laying the table, see game No. 1.)

1. Breakfast over, off we go, To remove the cloth, you know.

2. Put the napkins on the tray, And the plates, too, take away.

3. Cups and saucers next we take, Carefully, lest them we break.

4. Bring the milk and sugar here, Soon the table will be clear.