7 Games From Around the World

7 Games inspired from children around the world

I love this post, and not just because it helped take backyard play at our place to entire new level; there is much more than that.  It was an opportunity to give my children perspective, beyond what they see around them.

World Vision gave me permission to use the images in this post, and they, in turn, have enriched our family life.   How wonderful it is to learn from other children around the globe!

During the past couple of weeks, I looked for opportunities in our regular afternoons, to introduce these different games to my children. It’s been wonderful, wonderful, and I’ll share the fun things we did (and continue to do) below.

1. Cambodia

Children in Cambodia play a high-jump game, trying to snag stretched rubber bands held up by friends.  Photo by Jon Warren, World Vision.

What we did

I remember playing elastics with my sisters when I was a girl, and I enjoyed introducing my own children to the game. I don’t know why I didn’t think about it before.  If you want to know more about how this game is played, or how to make elastic jumping bands, head over to this post: Backyard Games — Elastics.

2. Vietnam

Sponsored child Lam Duc Tri (left) plays marbles with his friends after school.  Photo by Le Thiem Xuan, World Vision.

What we did

Marbles were a hit with the kids!   They loved the feel of the small heavy balls in their hands and the sound of the marbles hitting each other.  To read more about how we set up the game, read this post: Backyard Games — Marbles.

3. Kenya

Boys use a pile of construction sand as a high jump diving pit.  Photo by Jon Warren, World Vision.

What we did

My son especially loved this one.  It was as simple as a few chairs, a broom handle, and a travel mattress.  This is a fun extension of a backyard obstical course.

4. Armenia

In the afternoon, children play outdoor games like volleyball.  Photo by Narine Ohanyan/World Vision © 2011

What we did

Using eslastic tied on to the car port posts, the children then took turns of hitting the ball over the ‘net’ to eachother.

5. Bangladesh

The boy students are seen playing football (soccer) on the grounds of Kathaltala Government Primary School. Photo by Xavier Sku,World Vision ©2012.

What we did

We have a small outdoor soccer net, but even just a few shoes as goal posts work for backyard soccer.

6. India

Children play “ghura khel” (horse game) at school. Children hold hands and run in a circle as fast as they can. Those who fall off must chase those who are still holding hands.  Photo by Jon Warren, World Vision.

What we did

One fine afternoon after school, the children and I went to a park.  I was able to sneak in a bit of exercise while the children ran up and down the hill, holding hands, and inevitably, falling. You can see how much my son loved this in the last picture there.

7. Zambia

The children play a game called, Frog Friendship which requires extreme concentration, stamina and balance.  Photo by Collins Kaumba, World Vision.

What we did

I adore the Frog Friendship picture, but I couldn’t find much more about the game.  That didn’t stop the girls from getting down in the pose and trying to jump together.

Ended up like this. Laughter.

I see all these children playing games — kids from different parts of the world, my own kids — and it helped me see afresh, how important it is to connect, to help, to give, to learn, to understand, to love. All the children of the world…

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