oshc activities
Grandparents Day / Then and Now Games

Then and Now Games

Children learn and play games from older generations, such as marbles and elastics, and compare them with games they play today.

How to run it

  1. Set up stations for marbles, elastics and other classic games.
  2. Explain or demonstrate the rules for each game.
  3. Rotate groups through the stations.
  4. Finish with a chat about how play has changed over time.

You will need

  • marbles
  • elastics
  • chalk for hopscotch
  • skipping ropes
Make it easier or harderYounger children can start with hopscotch; older children can teach a game to the younger ones.
SafetyMarbles are a choking hazard, so supervise closely around younger children.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 2, Outcome 5Children connect with family and community history through shared play.

Fits these theme days

Grandparents DayTime Travellers DayGames DayBackyard Play DayNational Families Week

More like this

After School Quick STEM · Games Day · Board Games Day +2

Number Card Maths Game

Children use a deck of coloured number cards to play quick adding and multiplying games, turning maths practice into friendly competition.

IndoorCalmGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6All About Australia Day · Cricket Day · Summer Holidays +2

Relaxed Backyard Cricket

A casual, inclusive game of cricket with friendly rules so everyone gets a bat, a bowl and a laugh.

OutdoorHighGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6Ancient Egypt · Time Travellers Day · Spy School +2

Write Your Name in Hieroglyphs

Children use a picture-symbol alphabet chart to write their names the ancient Egyptian way, exploring how early writing systems worked.

IndoorCalmGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6Ancient Egypt · Halloween · Time Travellers Day +2

Mummy Wrapping Race

Teams race to wrap one teammate from shoulders to feet in toilet paper like an ancient mummy, creating lots of laughter and teamwork.

IndoorModerateGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6