It seems like kids today are only interested in screens—TV, iPad, smartphones… don’t you wish they’d spend more time outside? Whilst it’s great that today’s youth have a world of knowledge at their fingertips, there’s something magical about the “old school” games and toys of yesteryear.
We asked Momentum Life Facebook fans what their favourite childhood games were. Here’s what you had to say:
Elastics
Elastics were the clear favourite, earning almost 27% of the vote. This simple toy—just a long loop of thin elastic material—inspired hours of fun. Who doesn’t remember the jingles that went along with the jumping movements? England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales…Inside, outside, puppy dog tails!
Marie K. loved elastics so much, she’d even play it on her own! “If I didn’t have a friend over afterschool, my mum’s kitchen chairs used to hold the elastics, as well as the mailbox sometimes!” Can’t beat a game that’s fun for groups or on your own!
Bull Rush
This childhood favourite goes by a number of different names around the world, including Jailbreak, British Bulldogs, or Red Rovers. It also has many variants, each with its own rules and goals. Whatever name it goes by, the basic gameplay is the same: Players rush to the opposite side of the playing area whilst avoiding the “catcher.” Each player that is tagged or caught becomes a catcher, until only one is left and crowned the winner!
Knucklebones
Knucklebones has a long history, dating back to at least Ancient Greece. For centuries children played this game with real animal bones, though metal and plastic versions are now available. Kids in other parts of the world play similar games, such as Jacks, Tali or Fivestones.
The game consists of throwing and catching the knucklebones in a series of patterns that get more complicated and difficult as the game progresses. Helen M. loved knucklebones, because the game requires “good concentration and skill.” It’s also a perfect indoor activity during cold or rainy weather.
Hopscotch
Another childhood game with ancient origins, Roman children are said to be some of the earliest hopscotch players. The English name derives from an earlier meaning of the word scotch—a carved line or scratch. Players literally hopped over scratches in the dirt or floor! Children now use chalk to draw more complicated courts for players to navigate, but the basic goal of the game remains the same.
Marbles
The first mass-produced glass marbles, like the ones most of us grew up with, debuted in the late 1800s. Before that, children commonly played with marbles made from clay or stone. They also invented similar games using nuts!
Cushla K. remembers her marble collection fondly: “Boulders, comets, cat’s eyes, clearie… so much fun! Mum used to line up Giant Jaffa’s and if you hit one with a marble from a set distance you could eat it!” Yum—that sounds like a tasty spin on this childhood classic!
What were your favourite games growing up? Join our community and share your stories on Facebook!
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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