Games and Ideas for Interaction on the Playground

Playtime is definitely a time for children to explore, regulate and play outside.  However I frequently find that 45 minutes on the playground can sometimes drag and for children and young people with autism and or severe learning difficulties (SLD) extended unstructured time can cause distress.  

However adult ratios are usually lower on the playground making it harder to engage groups of children.  So here are a few tips for making playground times more interesting but still fun!

Parachute games – getting the parachute out on the playground is a great way to engage a lot of children with just a couple of adults supporting.  Throw some light balls in the middle, shake them off and get the children to race around to gather them all up!

Hide and Seek – it’s an oldie but a goodie, so many children can access this game whether it’s running around and hiding in the climbing frame or more of a ‘peekaboo’ style game sitting down building anticipation and giving a social reward such as tickles when you find the child is a great way to build positive relationships.  It’s also one that can be led by the children so again fewer adults are needed to make the game exciting.

Fi Fie Fo Fum – I love running after the children pretending to be a giant chanting “Fi Fie Fo Fum I’m going to put you in my tum tum tum!” and then giving them a squeeze when I catch them.  I sometimes have nearly the whole playground trying to get my attention to chase and ‘eat’ them!

Choices – Using a communication board on the playground with small groups can support children to make meaningful choices about how to spend their time and to interact with each other positively.  Follow this link for a great ALS board that can be used on the playground!