Over the Water
Number of kids: Any.
How the game is played: A simple verse is sung and each child gets a turn to be the "star" of the song. Before each verse, the adult asks, "Anna, what would you like to catch?" and Anna might say, "A tiger." The verse is repeated with each child's name and chosen animal until everyone has had a turn.
- Anna over the water
(Move one hand across the body like a rippling wave.) - Anna over the sea
(Move the other hand across the body in same way.) - Anna catch a tiger
(Grab in front of you to "catch" the animal.) - You can't catch me!
(Point at self or let the child chase you.)
Tips for adults:
Sometimes kids will need help with choosing an animal. Keep momentum going by encouraging swift decision-making. Giving the child a choice between two animals he or she knows is a good strategy.
What the game teaches:
Listening, waiting, and taking turns.