Games - for active learning and for fun

Games are often regarded as a timefiller but choose the right ones and they can be a really useful tool in helping children engage and learn. Science suggests we learn more effectively when we're active and many children love to be 'up and doing'.

Games can be used to introduce a session, to check for understanding and to generally reinforce learning in an active way.

At five-years-old children still find it hard to lose and are only just beginning to work with others, so choose games and activities that involve everyone for most of the time, such as hunting objects that tell the story. By seven or eight children will enjoy working as a team, have a desire to win, and have the self-discipline to wait for their turn. Relay race games, team quizzes and charades will be popular.

	Ultimate Games (Patricia Goodland, Scripture Union) RRP £9.99   Creative and imaginative ways to help you and your group explore the Bible through playing games.   Active games, quiet games, team games, individual games - all with the instructions and guidance you need to make the most of this fun way to explore God's Word!
	Parachute Fun for Everyone (Renita Boyle, Barnabas) RRP £6.99   Packed with 50 pick-and-mix activity ideas to use with children, from under-fives through to teenagers, mixed-age groups including adults, and those with special needs, in nursery schools; camps; clubs; churches; Sunday schools; primary schools; assemblies; community festivals; family days; spiritual retreats or training days. Guidance is given as to energy levels, from warm-ups to cool-downs (and everything in between), suitable age groups (from preschool to adult and mixed-age) and necessary accessories. 2012 conference recommended title
	Instant Games for Children (Susan L Lingo, Barnabas) RRP £7.99   101 games for children aged 5-11. The games provide an opportunity for children to gather, help illustrate teaching, burn off energy and provide children with great memories.
	The Big Book of Bible Games (Gospel Light) RRP £17.99
	Bible Fun Stuff: Score with Scripture Games (David C Cook) RRP £14.99   Aimed at 5-7s
BUY...	Games from scratch (Lorne Campbell, 2011 conference) £3.99 Ever needed to come up with a game at short notice? Games you can use from scratch with minimal equipment, whether you are outside, in a hall or at home.