Description
This is 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), Games Children Play II is a thoroughly updated second edition of the classic, Games Children Play (1996) with new games added, by popular demand.
Kim John Payne and Cory Waletzko’s Waldorf Steiner 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 for how to play. There are games for helping graceful movement, co-operation, fairness and equality for the 7-10’s. Games for courage, accuracy, teamwork and gentle preparation for sports for 11- to 12-year-olds, along with games for renewing playground culture and holding a DIY Olympic Games.
How to develop spatial awareness is described through sport, gymnastics and outdoor games. There are sections on child development, introducing games sessions, children’s temperaments, the senses, tackling children’s problems with play or sport, how to introduce games sessions, teaching movement to children, and cultivating the lost art of real-life play with children challenged by the digital age.
Games include variations depending on the age and number of players. There are tips for the games leaders on meeting the varying social and emotional needs of the players within a group. A section sets the context for the ever-increasing need for ‘IRL’ (In Real Life) games for children growing up in a digital age. Some new games have an embedded subheading, ‘For children who may struggle to play this game,’ as well as practical/do-able tips on how we can engage this new generation of children.
“We give readers the ‘Why?’ and not just the ‘What?’ of playing games and sport. So, it’s not just about playing the games and having fun, but of creating an atmosphere for learning/healing with children. The games are a vehicle for deepening players’ experience of well-being. Our understanding of the developmental needs of children and the very practical and do-able steps we can take to address these informs the book and game instructions.” –Cory Waletzko
Endorsements
‘What a delightful collection! The wide range of games are described so clearly that it’s easy to find something to play with a lucky child or group of children. And then you’ll want to play something else, just because it so much fun to play and sing.’ Rahima Baldwin Dancy, author, You are Your Child’s First Teacher
‘A valuable resource of enjoyable games for preparing children for life.’ Sally Goddard Blythe, author, The Well-Balanced Child
‘Everything in this book works with children! An invaluable guide for every teacher, movement specialists and parents.’ Valerie Baadh Garrett, The Movement Academy Project.
‘An inspiring and useful gem.’ Jane Miller EdD, Department of Education, Antioch University, New England, USA
About the Authors
Kim John Payne, M.ED, has been a school counselor, adult educator, consultant, researcher, educator, and private family counsellor for thirty years. He is the Co-Founding Director of Whole Child Sports, an institute that educates parents and coaches about the value of a healthy approach to child and youth sports and play. Kim has consulted for educational associations worldwide. He has worked extensively with the North American and UK Waldorf educational movements. He is the Director of the Simplicity Project and Founding Director of The Centre for Social Sustainability. His books include Simplicity Parenting, Soul of Discipline, Beyond Winning, and Emotionally Resilient Tweens and Teens.
Cory Waletzko, a certified Waldorf teacher with a Master’s in Education and Bachelor of Fine Arts, has been teaching movement and games since 2005. She has worked for the Center for Social Sustainability and is a co-producer of FEARless, a performers-potluck initiative. Before becoming a teacher, she was a professional dancer, actor, and musician. Cory is interested in bridging social and cultural divides through music, movement, and creative processes.
