Little children like to play familiar games. "Going to Jerusalem" is an old standby. For this game line up a row of small chairs or stools, backs together one for each guest. The children march around the chairs to the music. While they are marching remove one chair. The instant the music stops everyone scrambles for a seat. The child left without a chair then sits on the side lines while the same procedure is repeated. The one holding the last chair is declared the winner. We find that if the groups all clap for the winner it leaves a better feeling than if prizes are awarded.



"Dropping Clothespins into a Bottle" is another delightful game for small youngsters. Remember it? Place a milk bottle on the floor back of a straight chair. The youngster kneels on the chair facing the back. Then he is given five or six clothespins to drop into the bottle, one at a time. Each child keeps track of the number he can get into the bottle. The winner is cheered.

Every child loves a motion song. One that our older boys learned at camp delighted our group. The words are rather silly and the motions sillier but that's part of the fun. Each child puts his thumbs to his ears with the fingers free donkey fashion. Then all sing to the tune of "Turkey in the Straw."

Do your ears hang low? With thumbs to ear, wave fingers.

Birthdays Must Be Celebrated

Do they wobble to and fro? Hands together in front, are waving back and forth.

Can you tie them in a knot?

Go through motions of tying a knot.

Can you tie them in a bow? More motions of tying.

Can you sling them over your Sling folded hands over shoulder?

Like a continental soldier? Salute.

Do your ears hang low? Hands wobbling at ears.

The song starts slowly and with each repetition gets faster, finally ending in a burst of hilarity.

Other games accompanied by songs such as "London Bridge" (London Bridge is falling down) and "Drop the Handkerchief" (A tisket, a casket, a green and yellow basket. I sent a letter to my love and on my way I dropped it) are very popular. "Button, button, who has the button?" and "I Spy" also are fun. All of these games require no expensive equipment and keep the youngsters happy.

A birthday cake and ice cream or sherbet completes the birthday party. At this time bring the baskets to the table and fill them with small candies. The children are proud to take home baskets they have made themselves.

Suckers, tied with gay streamers of crepe paper to the dining-room chandelier, give the room a festive air, and also can be given the youngsters to take home. Take a bit of your busy time in these hurried days and help the little people celebrate the important days. It pays big dividends.

Children expectation in the day is not only having lots of fun but also lot of ice-cream and for sure a cake. After playing a game, all they want is to have a delicious birthday cake and a sweet. For a successful part it is very important.