Games Without Music for Children Part 4

A 'house' is formed by a ring of children (see Frontispiece, and description of same on p. 31). There should be three children in the ring to represent 'John,' 'Maud,' and the 'Baby,' also an older girl for the 'Mother.' The 'Father' is supposed to be away on a journey, and preparations are being made for his return. The 'Mother' and 'Maud' lay the table for tea (see Game No. 1, which is similar), and the other two children may be looking at a picture-book or watching for Father's return at the door or window. When he arrives, each member of the family greets him; one takes his hat, another his bag, and a chair is placed for him at the table. Then the children take their places, and the Mother pours the tea.

After the meal is finished, the Father opens his portmanteau, and looking into it, says:

A ball for baby should be here, [Takes out the ball and gives it.]

BABY Oh, thank you, thank you, Father dear.

FATHER A skipping-rope for Maud is this, [Presents it to Maud.]

MAUD I thank you, Father, with a kiss.

[Kisses Father.]

FATHER This cricket-ball for John will do.

[Hands John the ball.]

JOHN Thank you, Papa, 'tis kind of you.

_Frontispiece._--Twenty or thirty children might very well combine to make the 'house,' instead of ten as shown here. The two girls who cross hands form the 'door.' The boy on the left of the door grasps the girdle of the girl with his right hand, while the boy on the right places his left hand on the girl's shoulder to make the 'latch.' To open the 'door'

we lift the 'latch,' and then push the girl on the right gently inside the ring, the girl on the left moving with her.

To _knock_ at the 'door' we rap on the floor.

16. _GOING ERRANDS_

The children join hands and stand round to form a 'house' and 'garden'

(see diagram). A s.p.a.ce is left for the gateway of the 'garden.' For 'door' of house see Frontispiece.

[Ill.u.s.tration:

+----------------------+ | | | | | House | | | | | +--------+----+--------+ | _Door_ | | | | Garden | | | | | +--------+ +--------+]

In the 'house' stands one of the bigger girls to represent the 'mother,'

and there should also be a little chair, and a doll's cradle with a doll in it.

In the 'garden' eight or ten children are engaged in playing a game.

('Drop, Drop, Drop,' No. 41, p. 74, would do nicely.) One of the girls must represent 'Nellie,' and one of the boys 'Johnnie.' As the game proceeds, the 'mother' comes to the door and calls:

'Nellie, Nellie!'

[Nellie at once answers:]

'Yes, mother.'

[Leaves game immediately and runs to mother.]

MOTHER Baby cries, just soothe her, Nell.

Rock the cradle; that is well.

[Nellie sits down and rocks the cradle.]

The game proceeds for a little while, and then the 'mother' calls again:

'Johnnie!' [_Children say_], 'Mother calls you, see.'

[Johnnie runs quickly to the 'mother.']

MOTHER Go round to the shop for me.

[Gives him money and a basket.]

Johnnie may go outside the room and come back again, or the game 'Shopping' (No. 6, p. 10) may be played, having been previously prepared in another part of the room, and Johnnie may go to the shop for what his mother requires. When he has returned, all the children say:

Little children, always run When your mother's voice is heard, Leave your play whene'er she calls Quickly mind her every word.

17. _TAKING FATHER'S TEA_

A cla.s.sroom may be used for the 'house' and another for the 'workshop,'

or they may both be made by rings of children (see Frontispiece, and description of same on p. 31). Between the 'house' and the 'workshop'

there should be a 'street' (see Game No. 12, p. 24). In the workshop there should be 'joiners' planing, hammering, sawing, &c. (a set of toy tools might be used for this), and in the 'house' a little girl should represent the 'mother.'

Two children come walking quickly down the 'street' towards the 'house,'

saying:

Straight away from school we go, To take our father's tea, you know.

They enter the 'house,' and the 'mother' gives a jug to one and a basket to the other, and says:

With care the jug of tea you'll hold, And make good haste lest it get cold.

Children reply:

Oh yes, dear mother, all you say We'll mind right well--and now, away.

They walk up the 'street' to the 'workshop,' and the 'father'--a joiner with sleeves rolled up--comes to the door.

FATHER Ah! my children, here you come,

CHILDREN Yes, we've brought your tea from home.

Father takes the jug and basket, saying:

Thank you, now run home and play; I am working late to-day.

Children say 'Good-bye,' and run off.

_INVITATIONS_

_Preliminary._--Children should be taught to express thanks not only for tangible presents, as in Game No. 15, but also for kindness or favours received. The two games which follow are intended to teach this.

18. _INVITATION TO PLAY_