Preschool children love to play games that involve moving around and interacting with their peers. Circle games are a great way to encourage socialization, teamwork, and physical activity. Here are some fun circle games that your preschoolers will enjoy.
1. Duck, Duck, Goose
This classic game is a favorite among preschoolers. Have the children sit in a circle and choose one child to be "it." The child who is "it" walks around the circle, tapping each child on the head and saying "duck." When they tap a child and say "goose," that child must chase "it" around the circle. If "it" makes it back to the empty spot without being caught, the child who was tagged becomes "it."
2. Hokey Pokey
The Hokey Pokey is a classic dance that preschoolers love. Have the children stand in a circle and follow the instructions of the song. They put their right hand, left hand, right foot, left foot, head, and whole self in and out of the circle while singing. It's a great way to get children moving and following directions.
3. Ring Around the Rosie
This is another classic circle game that preschoolers enjoy. Have the children hold hands and walk in a circle while singing "Ring around the Rosie, pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down." When they get to "we all fall down," they let go of each other's hands and fall to the ground while giggling.
4. Hot Potato
Hot Potato is a fast-paced game that preschoolers love. Have the children sit in a circle and pass a small object, like a beanbag or ball, around the circle while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the object is out. The game continues until only one child is left.
5. Simon Says
Simon Says is a great game for teaching preschoolers to follow directions. Have the children stand in a circle and choose one child to be "Simon." Simon gives the children directions, like "Simon says touch your nose," and the children must follow the directions only if Simon says "Simon says" first. If Simon gives a direction without saying "Simon says," any child who follows the direction is out. The last child standing becomes the next Simon.
6. Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs is a classic game that preschoolers love. Set up chairs in a circle, one fewer than the number of children playing. Play music while the children walk around the chairs. When the music stops, the children must sit in a chair. The child who doesn't have a chair is out. Remove one chair and continue playing until only one child is left.
7. The Farmer in the Dell
The Farmer in the Dell is a fun circle game that preschoolers enjoy. Have the children stand in a circle and sing the song. One child is chosen to be the farmer and stands in the middle of the circle. The rest of the children choose partners and hold hands, forming a smaller circle around the farmer. When the song ends, the farmer chooses a partner to join them in the middle. The game continues until everyone has had a turn in the middle.
8. Follow the Leader
Follow the Leader is a great game for encouraging preschoolers to follow directions and use their imaginations. Choose one child to be the leader and have them do a series of movements, like hopping on one foot or making animal noises. The other children must follow the leader and do the same movements. When the leader is finished, choose a new leader.
9. Red Light, Green Light
Red Light, Green Light is a fun game that preschoolers enjoy. Choose one child to be "it" and have them stand at one end of the circle. The other children stand at the other end. When "it" says "green light," the children walk towards them. When "it" says "red light," the children must stop. If "it" catches a child moving on a "red light," that child becomes "it."
10. Pass the Clap
Pass the Clap is a fun game that preschoolers enjoy. Have the children sit in a circle and choose one child to start. That child claps their hands once and then turns to their right and claps the hand of the child next to them. That child then turns to their right and claps the hand of the next child. The game continues until everyone has had a turn.
Circle games are a great way to get preschoolers moving, socializing, and having fun. Try these games with your class and watch them have a blast!
