Teacher Discussion Forums

my kids are definitely getting tired of the standards like duck, duck goose, etc. i'm looking for something that is a little more low key, so not to get them too riled up and mad at each other. the playroom isn't small, but not huge. ideally i would like to do something that also involves them speaking english.

How about Simon Says?

Here's one I used to do with a group of kids aged 5-7:
The whole group comes up with a list of characters to play (animals, occupations, whatever). Write it on the board if the kids can read. One of them starts acting out a character and everyone else guesses what they are. A second kid is standing by with a rolled-up piece of paper, and when he thinks it's gone on long enough, he hits the first kid lightly. The first one falls down, then gets up again playing another character. Everyone should do about three different characters.
The hitting part is important.