Broomball and Bananagrams - 2 More Rainy Day Activities

Looks like we're in for a true wet El Nino winter. In case you run out of things to do, here are two ideas.

Broomball

This is hockey with brooms. I use 40" long lobby brooms, cones as goal markers and Gator Skin or equivalent balls. The brooms come from Home Depot Supply. They cost $8.99 for a 2 pack.



I divide small classes into two teams, large classes into four. For two team games, one ball is used and the field is divided into thirds. Players are assigned numbers (1-3) and numbers are assigned positions. At the beginning of a game, for examples, 1's are forwards, 2's are midfielders and 3's are defenders. Each position is confined to its 1/3 of the field in order to reduce congestion and increase striking opportunities. After a certain period of time, everyone rotates to a new position.

In a four team game, each team has its own goal to defend and a uniquely colored ball. A team may only score with its own ball, but must defend against all other balls.

Bananagrams is a word game that uses letter tiles but no board. Player work independently of one another. Instead of a common word grid, each player constructs his/her own crossword grid. As in Scrabble, every letter placed must connect with another and each vertical and horizontal row must spell a word.



I divide the class into four groups, each with their own Bananagram game. We then play it one of two ways; every player for her/himself or with pairs playing against other pairs. You'll be surprised at some of the words the kids come up with.