Circle Games

Playing games in a circle is great for all ages.  No one feels terribly centered out (except for the occasional time that someone goes in the middle, but that's usually either taking turns or they'll be joined by everyone else shortly), there aren't usually winners or losers in circle games, everyone can see and everyone can participate.  It's not that there's a problem with occasionally losing a game or race, but it's really important (especially in a learning environment) that everyone has a chance to participate and feel comfortable.  Even when there doesn't seem to be a "teaching" aspect to the game, they are still learning to participate in a group, take turns, follow directions and behave politely.

One of my favourite circle games is called Purple Stew.  I can't think of another song with the same melody at the moment, but there are a few versions on youtube (with variations on the lyrics).  You only need to start with one person in the middle (I usually pick the birthday child when at a party) and with each repeat of the song, the number of people in the middle grows exponentially, so it never takes too long for everyone to be right in the middle of it all.

Here are the lyrics that I use:
We're making a purple stew, (stir in the circle with an imaginary spoon)
Whip! Whip! Whip! Whip! (shake your hips)
Making a purple stew, (stirring)
Scooby-Dooby-Doo (shimmy down and up)
With purple potatoes and purple tomatoes (pretend to throw them into the circle)
And YOU! (people in the centre pick someone on the outside)
Fancy meeting YOU in a purple stew! (Shaking hands with the person they picked and pull them into the stew)
REPEAT until everyone is in the stew.
If the kids aren't too little to worry about them getting hurt, you can make the people in the middle getting stirred spin around as you sing.  Sometimes I only do this for the last one or two singings so we aren't all falling on the floor.

Here are some more circle games you can play:
http://www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/circle-games.page-1.html
http://www.youthwork-practice.com/games/circle-games.html
http://www.games4youthgroups.com/circle-games.html

Have Fun!!
Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown
(AKA Erin)