A Game to Take Home in My Pocket

At the end of the day, each family picks a card from a basket showing a simple game to play again at home with whatever's around (pillows, socks, painter's tape), and they rehearse it in slow motion before saying goodbye. It brings energy down, recalls the day and builds a bridge between school and home.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle, the teacher pulls cards out of the basket: each shows a game from today and the household item needed (1 min).
2. Kids raise their hands and say which game they liked best today (1 min).
3. Each child chooses a card with their grown-up and tucks it in a pocket or backpack (1 min).
4. In pairs, they rehearse their game in slow motion, very slowly, in their spot (1 min).
5. In the circle, sing a made-up goodbye song, "I'm taking a game home with me, home with me, home with me," moving arms like waves (1 min).
6. Each family says goodbye with their handshake and tiptoes out slowly (1 min).

Rules

• Take just one card.
• Rehearse the game very slowly, no running.
• At home we play with whatever we have.
• We say goodbye without rushing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Families who don't read English: cards have pictures and a QR code or link to a short video, and can be translated into the group's languages.
• Limited mobility: offer cards with seated games (sock tossing, rolling cardboard tubes).
• Autism: offer a choice between just two cards so the decision is easy.

Learning goals

• Calm down at the end of the session.
• Recall and name the games played.
• Bring active play into everyday home life.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Take-home game cards: 30
• Basket: 1

Teacher tip

Prepare the cards ahead of time with items any home has, nothing to buy. Remember some homes are small: include games for a hallway or sitting on the couch.

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