Game of the Week: Follow the Yellow Brick Road
You can play this with just two people, but it is best with 3-7 people.  You'll need masking tape, 1 blindfold, and some adult supervision. First create a path on the floor, using the masking tape. This is a group effort and hones communication and diplomatic skills. 

The path should be at least 20 steps long and have many twists and turns. One class even added obstacles!  Try to make the path about 18" wide: wide enough so that it is possible for a person to walk along it without touching the tape edges, but narrow enough that the walker must be careful about foot placement.

Each participant takes a turn walking the path, blindfolded, while the others watch and guide them. Decide who should go first.  Let the children work this part out for themselves.   The Walker is blindfolded and is allowed to speak freely.  The Watchers can see, but cannot use any words.  Making noises, clapping, moaning, and giggling are totally acceptable. Words are not allowed! The goal is to successfully guide the Walker down the yellow brick road.  The adult acts as a judge and has the final say on weather the Walker is staying reasonably inside the path lines.  Each Walker has 3 chances, and the game is over after everyone has had a turn.  Yes, the Walker can give specific directions like "clap once if I should go right."

This game teaches turn taking, delayed gratification, cooperative planning, non-verbal communication, active listening, and group problem solving.



Riddle of the Week:
What force and strength can not get through,
I with a gentle touch can do,
and many in the streets would stand,
were I not as a friend in hand.
What am I?
A key.