Games are a valuable means of helping children to work together in a caring and co-operative way. Games can raise the level of co-operative consciousness and help children to realise what they can learn from each other. They are a fun and interesting way of learning to work together and of respecting the contribution of each individual. Games include all children and are particularly helpful for dealing with sensitive issues, such as those of ethnic groups, sex roles and equality.
Games give children the opportunity to practise a range of skills, to be a member of a team, to raise their selfesteem, and to be effective group members. They learn to talk openly about fair shares, turns for everyone, vulnerability, risk-taking and common needs. Co-operative games can awaken children’s curiosity about themselves, the groups in which they find themselves, and people’s individual and social needs.
Some of the most valuable work takes place during the discussion that follows these co-operative games, and time needs to be given to this important element of the activity. This gives children the chance to evaluate their work, to talk about it together in the group, to discuss successes, and to plan for future activities. A range of games are available that cater for different needs. These include encouraging appropriate behaviour and solving particular problems, as an introductory activity or as a winding down after an intense activity.
Games provide an opportunity for having fun while learning and create a more relaxed atmosphere in the class. They range from active games that require space for movement to quieter board games and table activities that can be used in the classroom.
The following pages contain two exemplars illustrating co-operative games appropriate for infant classes and for third to sixth classes.
EXEMPLAR 5 - Co-operative games
EXEMPLAR 6 - Co-operative games