07/23/16 Weekend Grif.Net - Game Time

[Robert Griffin]

·         [Grand-parenting is fun and games.  Especially when I get to play some old-fashioned games AND maybe sneak in some lessons, too.  These are on my agenda this week.]

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·         (1) HOPSCOTCH.  If my joints are up to it, I’m going to play.  I’ll have the kids draw unique designs (in France they make a ‘snail’ shape; in Italy a ‘bell’ shape – wonder what my grandkids will come up with).  And teach them that early Roman soldiers were required to don full armor and hop through 100-foot-long grids of squares to build agility and strength.  Not just a game for them!

(2) FLY A KITE.  When I taught college, I would often take a dollar-store kite out on the quad at lunch time and fly it.  Soon students would gather and I’d give them a chance.  Then I’d say “Have fun” and head into the Dining Hall.  Why not do this with my own grandkids on Long Beach this week?  The conference I’m at will be boring anyway.

(3) FOUR SQUARE. As a school Administrator I would often go on the playground at recess to give the teacher a break.  Kids LOVED to beat me at four-square and did so regularly.  But since I’m older and fatter now . . .

(4) MARBLES. Can’t wait to see it these get “caught” going thru airport security this morning.  When I was in Egypt I bought some 2 inch small stone “pyramids” and about drove the screening personnel crazy. They thought I was sneaking in plastic explosives.  But I want to teach modern kids an old game to play in the shade.

·         (5) JUMPING ROPE. If I only get one to do it, we can either take turns or skip simultaneously, facing each other. But all four? I will get a longer rope and show off some of my old playground moves, which should return after a little practice.  And have 911 on speed dial.

(6) JACKS. For all the kids, not just my granddaughter. Hand-eye coordination and dexterity will help them on their video game controller, too.  And I can give them a Latin lesson about right-handed v left-handed (dexterous v sinister . . . and ambidextrous, too).

~~

Dr Bob Griffin

b...@grif.net www.grif.net

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