During the primary school years children undergo enormous change. Children grow up so quickly during this time. Whilst the family is still the centre of their world, the gradual significance of friendships emerges. Children want to be accepted by their friends and their family. During these years children come into contact with a wide range of ideas, beliefs and attitudes.
TOPIC: Family and FriendsChildren love playing 20 questions or ‘Animal, Vegetable or Mineral’ as it is also known. It is a great guessing game that can keep everyone amused for hours, especially on car trips.
Traditional 20 questions involves one person choosing something (an object or person) from the categories animal, vegetable or mineral. The other players then take turns asking questions in an effort to work out what the ‘something’ is. Questions must be answered ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The first person to guess within asking 20 questions wins. If children are getting stuck with their guessing remember to give them hints.
Try this variation as a great way of helping children come to understand more about the people in their lives.
In this game one person thinks of a person known to the others. Instead of the other players asking questions to guess who it is, the person who has thought of the person says short descriptive sentences about that person as clues to the others trying to work out who the person is. Try to make the descriptions about the person’s qualities, relationships, likes and dislikes, not just physical appearance. For example, This person is a girl. This person likes horses. This person is very kind.
You can give it twist by describing one of the people guessing. Children love it when they find out that you have been describing them and all the great things you have just said about them!
Cameras and video recorders are common place in many families today. If you are not happy for your child to use the family camera or video recorder, consider buying a cheap disposable camera for this activity.
With access to a camera or video recorder have your child record a day in the life of your family. Begin with the family getting up and having breakfast and record the day as events unfold. Let your child record the day from his/her point of view. Notice what your child finds interesting in their day. What are they giving significance to?
If your child is taking photos, once they are developed spend time together making them into a story album. Have your child tell the story of the day using the pictures and words.
In years to come these family records will be invaluable to you all.
SHARE YOUR IDEASLet us know what you think of these ideas or tell other parents about great ideas for activities with a ‘family and friends’ theme that you love to do with your child. We will post your feedback and suggestions on this site. Just and send us an activity that you have used to have fun with your child.
The Kids Count website is part of the “Every Child is Important” campaign
which has been developed by the Australian Childhood Foundation and supported
by the Australian Government Department of Family and Community Services.
