Local Games, Rules and Safety for Primary 1

Local Games, Rules and Safety for Primary 1

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Pupils should be able to perform local games correctly while observing safety precautions.

What Are Local Games?

Local games are games that children play in their communities. These games are often passed down from older children to younger ones. They usually do not need special equipment and can be played with many friends.

Playing local games helps children to be active, learn to share, follow rules and make new friends. These games are a fun way to exercise and spend time together.

Examples of Local Games

There are many fun local games that children enjoy. These games help children to run, jump, think and play together. Some common local games include:

1. Rats and Rabbits
2. Cat and Rat
3. Fire on the Mountain

Rats and Rabbits

Rats and Rabbits is a game played by two teams. One team is called “Rats” and the other is called “Rabbits”. A line is drawn on the ground. The Rats stand on one side of the line, and the Rabbits stand on the other side.

When the leader calls out “Rats!”, the Rats chase the Rabbits. The Rabbits try to run to a safe place without being caught. If a Rabbit is caught, that child joins the Rats’ team. When the leader calls out “Rabbits!”, the Rabbits chase the Rats. The game continues with teams trying to catch members of the other team.

Cat and Rat

Cat and Rat is a game where children form a circle by holding hands. Two children are chosen: one to be the “Cat” and one to be the “Rat”. The Rat stands inside the circle, and the Cat stands outside the circle.

The Cat tries to get into the circle to catch the Rat. The children in the circle help the Rat by raising their joined hands to let the Rat pass through, but they lower their hands to block the Cat. If the Cat catches the Rat, new children are chosen to be the Cat and Rat.

Fire on the Mountain

Fire on the Mountain is a game that needs music or a leader to sing a song. Children walk or run in a circle while the music plays or the leader sings. When the music stops or the leader shouts “Fire on the mountain, run, run, run!”, all the children must quickly find a partner and stand together.

There will always be one child left without a partner. That child is out of the game. The game continues, and each time, one child is left out until only a few pairs remain.

How to Play Local Games Safely

Playing games is fun, but it is important to stay safe. Following safety rules helps to prevent accidents and injuries. Important safety tips include:

1. Play in a safe area: Always choose a flat and smooth ground for playing. Uneven ground, like areas with holes, rocks or bumps, can cause children to trip and fall. A clear playground or a flat field is a good place to play.
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is important, especially when running and playing. Children should drink water before, during and after playing games to keep their bodies strong and healthy.
3. Ensure proper ventilation and lighting: When playing indoors, make sure there is fresh air coming in. This is called ventilation. Also, ensure there is enough light so everyone can see clearly and avoid bumping into things or each other. Playing outdoors in daylight is usually best for these games.
4. Follow the rules: Every game has rules. Following the rules helps everyone play fairly and safely. It also prevents arguments and makes the game more enjoyable for all.
5. Respect other players: Be kind to other children while playing. Do not push, shove or hurt anyone. Help others if they fall or need assistance.
6. Listen to the leader: If there is a game leader or an adult supervising, always listen to their instructions. They are there to help keep everyone safe and make sure the game runs smoothly.