Traditional children's games, also known as folk games, are played by individuals between an estimated 7–12 years of age, without much equipment or any rules.Sierra, Judy and Kaminski, Robert (1995). Children's Traditional Games, p.xii. Oryx. . They do not include commercial products such as board games but do include those which require props such as hopscotch or marbles. (Toys appear in List of toys unless the toys are used in multiple games or the single game played is named after the toy; thus "jump rope" is a game, while "Jacob's ladder" is a toy.) The games persist and evolve, as they are transmitted down to subsequent generations and from one child to another primarily through word of mouth, due to not being considered suitable for academic study or adult attention.Lindon, Jennie (2001). Understanding Children's Play, p.83. Nelson Thornes. . Folk games consist of two or more of the following: physical skill, strategy, chance, repetition of patterns, creativity, and vertigo.Sierra and Kaminski (1995), p.3.
History
From the 18th century onwards, researchers have taken a greater interest in the value of traditional games in elucidating cultural values and identities. The modern Olympic Games were influenced by this thinking, and were founded by Pierre de Coubertin on the basis of "All games, all nations", though this aspect of the Olympics was never fully realised and quickly faded away after a few years, with mainly only Western sports being played. In some European countries, the revival of traditional games has served as a way for regional identities to be expressed in a political or educational way.
Tag games
Hiding games Hide-and-seek Peekaboo SardinesGryski (1998), p.15.
Games with equipment
Jumping games
Ampe, from Ghana Double Dutch (jump rope) Jumping Jacks Jumping rope (Skipping rope) Jumpsies (also known as Chinese jump rope, elastics, or gummitwist) Leapfrog"Leapfrog", Merriam-Webster.com. Accessed June 27, 2015.
Hopping games
Hopscotch Langa (game) Squid (game)
Memory games
Chinese whispers (Telephone) Concentration Here Comes an Old Soldier from Botany Bay (Old Soldier) I packed my bag Kim's Game
Parlour games
Hunt the Thimble (Hot and Cold) Huckle buckle beanstalk (Hot buttered beansGryski (1998), p.16.) I spy Truth or Dare? Wink Murder
Hand games
Other traditional children's games
See also Game List of open-source video games Outline of games Papers-and-Pencils games Street games Children's toys and games List of skill toys
Notes
References