Games
Technology has certainly given us a
wealth of electronic and computer games. Most children are
as familiar with these games as we were as children with
Jackstones and Chinese Checkers. As a rule children know
more about computers than their grandparents. One reason
for this is their love of computer games.
The games of my generation were more physical. They were
usually played outdoors. There was Red Light, May I?, Kitty
Wants a Corner, London Bridges, Drop the Handkerchief, Red
Rover-Red Rover, Tag, Hide and Go Seek, Cowboys and
Indians, Leapfrog, Jump Rope, Hopscotch, Cat Ball, and a
lot of “Pla’ack” games which were pretend games we made up
as we went.
My favorite game was Cat Ball. There were different ways to
play but the way we played was using two batters facing
each other about 20 feet apart. A pitcher who was also a
catcher stood behind each batter. We used a rubber ball
about the size of a baseball. Our bats were homemade which
looked more like paddles than bats. One pitcher would pitch
the ball to the opposite batter. Many others stood all
around in what we called the outfield. If the batter hit
the ball and anyone caught it on the first bounce, he
exchanged places with the batter. The catcher/pitcher was
in a very favorable position for if he caught the ball
missed by the batter on the first bounce he exchanged
places with the batter. We played this a lot at school
because many could play with very little equipment. In
addition to the two batters and two catcher/pitchers about
twenty or more played in the area called the outfield.
One special feature about these games was that each
required a group or at least more than one to play. They
not only provided good physical exercise but helped develop
social skills.
It was easier for children in the community to get
together. Communities were safer and less supervision was
necessary. For instance, it was fun to play hiding games
after dark. These days most parents would be afraid to
allow this.
Of course there were many indoor table and board games that
are still played today by children and adults. We may not
play these games as often. After all, we now have
television.