If “Earth” is called, the player to whom the hall is thrown has to mention something that lives on the earth, as lion, cat; if “Air” is railed, something that lives in the air; if “Water,” something that lives in the water; hut; if “Fire” is called, the player must keep silence. Always remember not to put birds in the water or animals or fishes in the air; be silent when “Fire” is called, and answer before ten can he counted. For breaking any of these rules a forfeit must he paid.

Games for All Occasions by Mary E. Blain

To play this game it is best to sit in a circle, and until the end of the game no one must speak above a whisper.

The first player whispers a question to his neighbor, such as: “Do you like roses?”

This question now belongs to the second player, and he must remember it.

The second player answers: “Yes, they smell so sweetly,” and this answer belongs to the first player.

The second player now asks his neighbor a question, taking care to remember the answer, as it will belong to him. Perhaps he has asked his neighbor, “Are you fond of potatoes?” And the answer may have been, “Yes, when they are fried!”

So that the second player has now a question and an answer belonging to him, which he must remember.

The game goes on until everyone has been asked a question and given an answer, and each player must be sure and bear in mind that it is the question he is asked, and the answer his neighbor given, which belongs to him.

At the end of the game each gives his question and answer aloud, in the following manner. “I was asked: ‘Do you like roses?’ and the answer was ‘Yes, when they are fried!’”

The next player says: “I was asked: ‘Are you fond of potatoes?’ and the answer was: ‘Yes, they are very pretty, but they don’t wear well.’”

Image © tiny white lights @ Flickr, Attribution

Games for All Occasions by Mary E. Blain

To play this game you must first decide which one of you is to be the Bird-catcher; the other players then each choose the name of a bird, but no one must choose the owl, as it is forbidden.

All the players then sit in a circle with their hands on their knees, except the Bird-catcher, who stands in the center, and tells a tale about birds, taking care to specially mention the ones he knows to have been chosen by the company. As each bird’s name is called, the owner must imitate its note as well as he can, but when the owl is named, all hands must be put behind the chairs, and remain there until the next bird’s name is mentioned, When the Bird-catcher cries “all the birds” the players must together give their various imitations of birds. Should any player fail to give the cry when his bird is named, or forget to put his hands behind his chair, he has to change places with Bird-catcher.

Image © Tom@HK @ Flickr, Attribution

Games for All Occasions by Mary E. Blain

This game can be played by any number of children. They proceed by first choosing one of the party to act as the Sea King, whose duty it is to stand in the centre of a ring, formed by the players seating themselves round him. The circle should be as large as possible. Each of the players having chosen the name of a fish, the King runs round the ring, calling them by the names which they have selected.

Each one, on hearing his name called, rises at once, and follows the King, who, when all his subjects have left their seats, calls out, “The sea is troubled,” and seats himself suddenly. His example is immediately followed by his subjects. The one who fails to obtain a seat has then to take the place of King, and the game is continued.

Image © visualpanic @ Flickr, Attribution

Games for All Occasions by Mary E. Blain

Playing games is fun and all, but it’s easy to forget how enjoyable simple outdoor things like Picking Strawberries can be.

Throw all the boring work that has to get done aside and go run around outside with your kids – it’ll mean the world to them.

Old Soldier

Old Soldier is a game for young children, and though it seems very simple, yet there is a good deal of fun in it.

One of the children pretends to be an old soldier, and goes round begging of each of the other players in turn, saying that he is “poor, and old, and hungry.” and asking what they will do for him or give him. In answering the Old Soldier no one must say the words: “Yes,” “No,” “Black,” or “White,” and he must he answered at once without hesitation.

Anyone who does not reply at once, or who uses any of the forbidden words, must pay a forfeit.

Games for All Occasions by Mary E. Blain

Image © pingnews.com @ Flickr, ShareAlike

Ahhh the good ol’ days when children could sing about cask’s of ale. Where have we gone wrong? Maybe it was around the same time farmers trumped millers as the pinnacle dog owners…

It could be worse though. At least children still appreciate life’s simple games. Like the Drawer Guitar or everyone’s favorite, maggot painting. I know I always wished for party games like that.

Anyway, here is the 100 year old take on this classic children’s song.

Bingo

The miller's dog lay at the mill,
and his name was little Bingo,
B with an I, I with an N, N with a G, G with an O,
His name was little Bingo.

The miller he bought a cask of ale,
And he called it right good Stingo,
S with a T, T with an I, I with an N, N with a G, G with an O,
He called it right good Stingo.

One child represents the miller, the rest stand round him in a circle, and all dance round and sing the verse. When it comes to the spelling part of the rhyme, the miller points to a child who must all out the right letter.

Anyone who makes a mistake must pay a forfeit.

Games for All Occasions by Mary E. Blain

Image © Barbicane @ Flickr, ShareAlike