What's involved?
A simple elimination strategy game of counting to eleven.
What's required?
A whole class game requiring no equipment and a little adult organisation and supervision.
How to play:
The objective of the game is to force another player to say eleven. Anyone who says eleven is out of the game.
Play starts with the first child beginning with number one. A player has a choice of saying up to three sequential numbers during their turn. The next player must then follow on sequentially and also has a choice of up to three numbers.
EXAMPLE:
Child one says 1; child two says 2,3,4; child three says 5,6; child four says 7,8,9; child 5 then says 10. This mean that child 6 is forced to say 11 and is out.
Play continues until only one player survives and they are the winner.
It is easiest to introduce and play this game in a circle. However can be played in classroom with children in their usual seating places. When not in a circle it is important to establish a predictable order around the room. Children need to have a clear understanding of who will be before and after them so they know when it will be their turn next. This will change as players are eliminated.
Variations:
In a classroom instead of individual players the game can be played with groups (usually based on table seating arrangements). Each group has 3 lives before the group is out.
Play the game eliminating players who hesitate or repeat a number already said. (Players need to be experienced and confident.)
Count in another language known to all players.
