Traditional games

Some games that passed from generation to generation can be used in English class. Personally, I use in class especially three games which are very popular and appreciated for it's funny. Here we have some examples of games that children really enjoy:

One, two, three, carabin caraban:

The rules are similar as the traditional game, but we change the statement. It's easy to teach because many children know the game. One child will count "one, two, three, carabin caraban" with the back turned to students. When he or she finishes, turns. And he/she discovers who child is moving. That child must come back to the start line. The rest will continue moving forward only when the child who's counting don't look at them.

Grandma, grandma:

One child will be the "grandma" or the "grandpa". He or she will be on one side of the classroom, waiting for the question. If you want, you can dress him or her with a wig, or a scarf, or a blanket...
The rest of the children will be on the other side of the classroom, and they will be the grand-kids. One by one, they'll ask the question, and if the grandma likes that thing, he or she will go ahead as many steps as the grandma wants. And that steps could be "big" or "little". On the contrary, if grandma doesn't like that thing, the grandchild will move back as many steps as the grandma wants. Finally, the grandchild who arrive the first at the grandma's side, will win the game.

We can play with many topics: food, animals, sports, hobbies, colours... And the statement will be:
Grandma, grandma, do you like...(pizza)? - Yes, I like. Go ahead three big steps.

Here we have an example:
- (Grand-kid): "Grandma, grandma, do you like rainy days?"
- (Grandma): "No, I don't like. Move back four little steps."

Who took the cookie from the cookie jar?

All children will sit on the floor making a circle. All children except one, who will hide the cookie at the back of one child, when they have closed their eyes. When he/she finishes, everyone open their eyes and start singing the song:

- (All) Who took the cookie from the cookie jar? Clara took the cookie from the cookie jar?
- (Clara) Who, me?
- (All) Yes, you!
- (Clara) Not me.
- (All) Then, who?
- (Clara) Sara!
- (All) Who took the cookie from the cookie jar? Sara took the cookie from the cookie jar?
- (Sara) Who, me?
- (All) Yes, you!
- (Sara) Yes, me!

Here you have a video with the song:

For me it's important to use the clapping. That will help us to set the beat and also, for sing at the same rhythm.