Cooperative Games

Cooperative games are a variation on the more familiar competitive games.  These games encourage team-work, creative thinking, problem solving, and helps players realize that everyone can win.  They are full of surprises and challenges, but most of all, they are fun!

The basic 'rules' are:

1. Everyone plays (i.e. no one is excluded and the games are structured so that everyone can join in)
2. No one gets hurt
3. Everyone has fun
4. Everyone wins

If a game made it difficult or impossible for players to meet those criteria then it needs to be modified.

Some of the best games are invented on the spot by kids.

Usually it helps to set a few guidelines to help narrow the creative field a bit.

Challenge groups to stick to the cooperative games rules, then introduce a few specific elements, like: groups of three, one ball and one hoop per group.

Each group demonstrates their game and everyone else can try them out.

If you are looking for more ideas, try one of the books by Terry Orlick.

Children's Games   Parenting Articles

Cooperative Games

• 15 Seconds - how to get each person talking
• Continuum - game to learn something about people you've just met
• Untying Knots - game to learn to work together.
• Straw Games - easy ideas for games with a box of straws.
• Imaginary Hide-n-Seek - get creative with hide-n-seek.
• Name Game - idea for a new group to get to know each other's names
• Tied in Knots - everyone is laughing while they try and untangle themselves.
• Program a Robot - learn a bit about robots while having fun
• Imagination Travel - the easiest way to go
• Archeology Game - how do they do it?
• Colors - easy treasure hunt that's lots of fun.
• Tag - lots of ideas to play tag.
• Sculpture Gallery - Use creative ideas to produce a sculpture.
• Popcorn - fun game for large groups of kids.
• Changing the Leader - A fun way to improve non-verbal communication skills.