Grade by Grade
B. Active Living / C. Movement Competence · Moving and Playing Safely

Playing Games: Rules and Simple Strategies

C2 A1About 35 minutes
Learning goals
  • I can name the parts of a game: the skills, the rules, the equipment and the boundaries.
  • I can follow the rules and play fairly.
  • I can use a simple strategy, like moving into open space or dodging, to help me do well.
  • I can be a good sport, whether I win or lose.

Words to know

rule
Something everybody agrees to do (or not do) in a game, so it is fair and safe.
strategy
A plan or trick to help you do well in a game.
open space
An empty part of the play area where nobody is standing.
dodge
To move quickly to get out of the way, like when someone is trying to tag you.
fair play
Following the rules, taking turns, being honest and kind to everyone.
teammate
Someone who plays on the same side as you.

What makes a game a game?

Think of a game of tag. What do you need?

  • Skills: running, dodging, stopping.
  • Rules: if you are tagged, you are "it". No pushing.
  • Equipment: maybe pinnies or a soft tag (like a pool noodle).
  • Boundaries: where you are allowed to run.

Every game has these parts. Knowing them helps you play well and stay safe.

Part of a gameExample in "Sharks and Minnows"
Skillsrunning, dodging, changing direction
RulesMinnows run to the other side. If a shark tags you, you become a shark. No pushing.
Equipmentcones to mark the ends
Boundariesstay between the side lines
side line (boundary)side line (boundary)sharkstartendsafeendminnowscones mark the ends
Sharks and Minnows: the minnows run from one end to the other without being tagged by the shark. Cones mark the ends, and everyone stays between the side lines.

Simple strategies

A strategy is a smart plan. Here are some strategies for Grade 1 games:

  • Find open space. Move to where nobody is, so you are not crowded and a teammate can pass to you.
  • Dodge and change direction. In tag, quick changes of direction help you get away.
  • Watch the ball and the other players. Then you know where to go.
  • Aim before you throw. Look at the target first.
  • Get ready. Stand with your knees bent and hands ready, so you can move fast.
open spaceboundary line all around
The player in the middle sees that the right side of the field is empty and runs into the open space.
Worked example

Let's find a strategy for tag

In a game of tag, the tagger is chasing Ethan. Everyone is crowded in one corner. What can Ethan do?

  1. Look around: where are the other players? Where is the tagger?
  2. Find open space: the opposite side of the play area is empty.
  3. Move there, staying inside the boundaries, and change direction quickly to dodge.
  4. Play fair: if he is tagged, he says "Got me!" and follows the rule.

Ethan can dodge and run to open space, away from the crowded corner, while staying in bounds. If he gets tagged, he follows the rule honestly.

Worked example

Let's make a rule fair

Two friends are playing "basket toss". One friend stands 1 step away from the basket. The other stands 6 steps away. Is that fair? How can they fix it?

  1. Think: standing closer makes it much easier to score.
  2. Decide: that is not fair.
  3. Fix it together: agree on a rule, like "Both players stand behind the same line," or "Take turns at each distance."
  4. Talk kindly: "Let's make it fair for both of us."

Not fair. They can make a new rule so both players throw from the same line. Talking it over and agreeing together is a great problem-solving skill.

Be a good sport

  • Follow the rules and be honest.
  • Take turns and include everyone.
  • Say "Good game!" at the end, whether you win or lose.
  • Cheer for your teammates. Help someone up if they fall.
  • If you lose, it's okay to feel disappointed. Take a deep breath, and remember the fun parts.
Just for fun

Why don't fish play basketball?

They're scared of getting caught in the net! 🐟🏀

Hands-on activity

Invent a backyard game

You need: a ball or rolled socks, 4 things to mark the boundary (shoes, cones or pillows), a basket or bucket as a target.

  1. With a grown-up or sibling, invent a simple game.
  2. Decide the four parts: Which skills? Which equipment? Where are the boundaries? What are 2 or 3 rules?
  3. Play it for a few minutes.
  4. Talk about it: Was it fair? Was it safe? Was it fun? What strategy helped you?
  5. Change one rule to make it better, and play again.

Your turn

1

Name the four parts of a game.

2

What is a strategy?

3

In tag, where is the safest place to run to?

4

Why do games have rules?

5

What can you say to the other team at the end of a game?

6

Do it and check: Play a quick game of tag with family. Use the dodging strategy.

7

You are sad because your team lost. What can you do?

More practice: warm-up

1

Is "no pushing" a rule or a boundary?

2

Is a ball a rule or equipment?

3

What do we call the edge of the play area?

4

Is cheating fair play?

5

Is it a good idea to stand right next to the tagger in tag?

More practice: on your own

1

You want a teammate to pass you the ball, but players are crowding around you. What strategy can help?

2

A new child is standing alone at recess. How can you show fair play and kindness?

3

Two friends both say they were first in line. What is a fair way to solve it?

4

In a target game, what strategy helps you score?

5

Why should you stand ready, with knees bent and hands up, during a catching game?

Challenge

1

Invent a game and tell its skills, rules, equipment and boundaries.

2

In Sharks and Minnows, the sharks are all in the middle. What strategy could a minnow use to get across?

3

A teammate keeps saying "You're bad!" when others miss. How could you handle it fairly and kindly?

Check your understanding

Quiz

1.

Which is equipment in a game?

2.

What is a good strategy in tag?

3.

Why do games have rules?

4.

Which shows fair play?

5.

What is a boundary?

6.

You want to catch a pass. Where should you go?

For parents and teachers

Big idea: Grade 1 students learn the components of activities (skills, rules, equipment, boundaries) and apply simple strategies (moving to open space, dodging, aiming, being ready) in individual and small-group games. Fair play and getting along are part of this (strand A: building relationships, managing feelings, problem solving).

How to help at home:

  • Play simple games (tag, target toss, "red light, green light") and talk about the rules and a strategy.
  • Let your child help invent or change rules. This builds problem solving.
  • Model being a good sport when you lose!

Common difficulties:

  • Bunching up around the ball. Practise "find an empty space" games.
  • Big feelings about losing. Name the feeling, take deep breaths, and focus on effort and fun.
  • Changing rules mid-game to win. Talk about why rules have to be agreed on by everyone.