Playing with the children

The teacher must require thorough knowledge of the development growth of each of the ages of the elementary school child, because the varied growth patterns and play interests are a prime considera­tion in the selection of games, rhythms, and dances.

The teacher of games must be impartial, both in the selection of a game and in the assigning of different parts to the players. Children's feelings are hurt when it appears to them that someone else is the teacher's pet.¹The teacher will also gain the respect and affection of the children if she participates in a game.

How to Teach a Game. The teacher of any game should follow these general patterns:

Introduction: name the game, making any motivating remarks necessary to stimulate action or interest.

1. Explain the game, after which questions will be answered.

2. Demonstrate or give an example if it is necessary.

This method of teaching games cannot be used with large groups. A noisy or disorderly crowd can be difficult to organize, so the teacher will generally teach and play the game at the same time dividing the game into parts. This will help to maintain interest unless the group is exceptionally large, in which case the following measures must be taken: 1) stop the game and play another, or 2) divide the group into smaller sections and play two or more games; 3) increase the number of runners and chasers in a game; 4) in the case of a simple circle game, change to concentric circles, and 5) in the case of games in which balls or other equipment is being used, add more equipment.

Some General Suggestions. Select games that are best suited to the development, interest and size of the child.If you need equipment, have it ready for immediate use.When a game has reached the peak of its interest, it is time to start another.Make sure that the games selected insure the participation of all the children in the class who are physically able to play.Alternate very active games with less vigorous games.

Teams or sides should be of equal ability. Allow children to choose sides, they have a good knowledge of one another's abilities.Explanations should be brief and to the point; children may lose interest if your explanation lags.Know the rules of the game and be as fair as possible.² Children become very sensitive to rules and their administration.³ Develop a sense of fair play, courtesy, and honesty in the child, social development⁴ is one of the greatest achievements of group games.

¹ teacher's pet – любимчик (у преподавателя)

² be as fair as possible – будьте предельно справедливыми

³ administration – зд. выполнение правил

Определите, является ли следующее утверждения

a. ложным

b. истинным

c. в тексте нет информации

1. The teacher must require thorough knowledge of the development growth of each of the ages of the elementary school child.

2. The teacher of any game shouldn’t follow some general patterns.

3. A teacher should select games that are best suited to the development of the child.

4. Explanations of games should be long.

Найдите в тексте ответы на следующие вопросы:

1. What knowledge must the teacher require in the selection of games, rhythms and dances?

2. What general patterns should the teacher of any game follow?

3. Is the method of teaching games one and the same with large and small groups?