Playground Games

Playground Games PLAYGROUND GAMES Activity Card Cosmic and Gem have made a ten-pin bowling game. They love playing it! They want their friend Lyra to be able to join in. Lyra has low vision. Cosmic thinks that they can change the game so that they can all play together. . “Perhaps we could wear some special glasses so we see the game in the same way that Lyra does” says Gem. PLAYGROUND GAMES What do you think they can do? Your challenge Create a set of playground games that can be played together by children, with and without disabilities. Discuss Try bowling while wearing low-vision simulators. What difference does it make? In what ways can you change the game to make it easier for everyone to play together? Lyra was wondering if you can think of ideas for other games that children with and without disabilities can play?

Getting started How well are outdoor games designed for children who have low vision or difficulty hearing, have limited movement or use a wheelchair? Research games that people with disabilities play, for example Goalball. Try out one of these games. What games can you play outdoors? Are there any markings for games? What could you do so that more children can join in? What new games can you create? What rules will your games have? How will you make sure your games are safe? Now test your games. How accessible are they? If you do not have a disability, you may need to try your games by using low-vision simulators, ear muffs, sitting in a chair, and so on. To do your tests you will need: Games equipment such as bean bags, balls, cones, poles, and so on. Bells and other noise-makers Torches and other lights Limited-vision simulators – try very dark sunglasses; goggles covered with tissue with a small peep-hole cut in it; or your own glasses with one lens covered Ear muffs Some of your fellow investigators have had a few ideas to get you started: I am going to use catching nets for rounders, to make it easier to catch the ball. We could use a sound-maker on a game to help us find a target. We could attach a bell to a beanbag or ball. I wonder if we can throw it to each other wearing a blindfold? We could PLAYGROUND use a flashing light instead GAMES of a sound to start races. We could try playing volleyball or tennis sitting on the ground instead of running around. What will you do? Share your ideas Create a plan of your ideal playground with games marked on it. You could share it with adults – they may like to use your ideas! British Science Association Registered Charity No. 212479 and SC039236