Instant Games for Children’s Ministry
I just picked up this book, because of it’s fabulous price on Amazon. When it arrived in the mail, I was a little disappointed at the size. I’m not sure why, but I expected it to be bigger, taller, thicker.. something! Of course, size doesn’t really matter. It’s what’s on the inside that counts (sounds like a great Children’s Ministry lesson, doesn’t it?)
I started browsing through the pages. The premise of this book is: gather 14 EVERYDAY items and you’ll be able to play 101 Children’s Ministry games at the drop of a hat. Most of the items were things you could easily have on hand except circular foam disks (where do I find these?) and a color cube (simple instructions are provided right at the beginning of the book for this). Okay, good start.
What’s Going On Around Here?
I read through the first few games and I got so bogged down in the instructions that I just skipped onto the next one. Not a good sign. If I, as an adult, cannot even read the instructions without getting all jumbled, how is a child supposed to actually play the game? Now, maybe I’m just a little dense, but these did not seem like “pick up and go” kind of games. Instead, they seemed a little overly complicated and too ambitious for a bunch of rowdy kids who are in need of some energy-burning activity. Also, the playing time seemed over-estimated. Many games were reported to last 15 minutes or so, but I could imagine kids getting tired of the game in 5 minutes or so.
There were a few winners: Fox and Hounds, Minefield, Pat the Cat, Hocus Pocus Hats, to name a few. However, you have to do a little searching. Certainly this book is worth the price if you’re paying 0.01 on Amazon like I did. But full price… I think I’ll pass.
What game books are you “go to” books? I just found a real gem in an unlikely place (more on that later!)
Other Curriculum Review Posts:
Bible in Life Early Elementary
Bible in Life Elementary
Voice of the Matrys: Kids of Courage
The Lads Preteen Curriculum
David C. Cook’s Rio
Group’s Faithweaver Parent
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Great site I was really inspired. Have a blessed day and keep up the good work!
Man can you say intelligent.. you know how to write! Im going to spread the word.