Dynamite

The large room was quiet as a group of children gathered in the middle of the wooden floor. All eyes looked up, waiting for something to happen. Suddenly, an arm reached toward the sky with a round object balanced on a hand. As the object moved higher into the air, the children started to jump up and down. A collection of arms reached up, trying to grab the round object. At the same time, children scattered in all directions, anticipating what may happen next. Screams of excitement filled the air as the object landed in one person's hand, and the game began.

As a lifelong practitioner in school-age care, I have played many group games, a staple of school-age programs. Out of the hundreds of group games we have played over the years, one is an all-time favorite. This game requires a soft foam ball and some indoor space. Our program takes place in the multi-purpose room of the school. To play this game, we use the basketball court. This game has many different names. The rules of the game change a little depending on the version played. We call our version of the game Dynamite. The game is fast-paced. During play, a person explodes with excitement and energy.

Why is Dynamite the all-time favorite game in school-age care?

Dynamite includes the four essential elements that make all games great: activity, social connection, freedom, and simple rules.

Activity – movement is an essential part of a well-rounded life. Engaging in movement each day keeps us healthy and sharpens the mind. Dynamite is a very active game. Players move about the court, trying to dodge the ball and pick up the ball at the same time. Group games are a fun way for children to engage in exercise without it feeling like a chore. The children in our program will play Dynamite for hours, only occasionally stopping for water.

Dynamite and other group games are a form of rough and tumble play. Traditional rough and tumble play often happens on the playground. Group games like Dynamite involve much contact as players run to get the ball and throw it at others.

In his book "Play," Stuart Brown describes rough and tumble play. This type of play is "Necessary for the development and maintenance of social awareness, cooperation, fairness, and altruism."

Social Connection – Group games like Dynamite are the testing ground for social interaction. In group games, much discussion, laughing, and negotiation happens. Often group games appear more physical than verbal. In reality, they are a combination of both. During group games, children come together and form alliances to stay in the game longer. Children often talk during the game to enhance competition and support each other. Group games are an excellent way for children with different interests to work together.

Choice – In school-age programs, there are many choices. Children often gravitate toward similar activities. Some children always build, draw, or paint. Other children like to read, do homework, or sit with friends. A group game like Dynamite brings children with different interests together. Group games create an opportunity for children that prefer quieter or passive activities. As the children play Dynamite, they learn about other children and build community. Children with different interests enjoy this game because great group games have easy-to-understand rules.

Simple Rules – Dynamite is a game with simple rules and materials. One ball and some space to run. The object of the game is to dodge the ball. If a player gets hit by the ball, they must sit down. The sitting player is still in the game. The job of a sitting player is to tag players trying to avoid the ball and catch the ball if it comes their way, and this is how a sitting player gets back into the game as a standing player. Another significant part of Dynamite is that all ages can play together and enjoy the game. Physical size is not a benefit in this game. Movement is the key, along with paying attention to where the ball is at all times.

Group games bring children together, provide exercise, and build community. Parents often join our daily Dynamite game. Group games help children learn how to negotiate with others and create new friendships. Group games form bonds that enhance the possibilities of our work going forward.