Second Cooperative Sports and Games Book

Rating:
Summary: The best book about cooperative games I've ever read
Review: This was the first thing that I ever read on the subject of cooperative games. A large volume of over 250 pages, there is a lot of background information about cooperative games, why cooperative games are good and why competitive games can be harmful for children. One key point is that playing cooperative games are fun for all and the outcome is a positive attitude, healthy self-esteem, learning communicating with others and working together as a team. All of these traits are what American employers want in an ideal and successful employee. We would be wise to raise our children playing these games to help foster these positive traits rather than pushing them to play competitive team games as extra-curricular activites. Since multi-age games can be played these are ideal for families to play with each other which would enhance family bonds.

Good discussion of what parents can do for ages birth to three, which is sometimes left out of other books who focus on age 3 or older and up. Chapters are on birth to 3, 3-7, 8-12, 12 plus, handicapped, and senior citizens. Special considerations for the preschool aged children are explained such as it being typical for a child of this age to not want to participate. The author recommends how to handle the different age-specific issues in a manner that is gentle and considerate of the child. How to start playgroups is outlined.

There are great chapters on the authors journey to other countries to learn about games they play, which are mostly cooperative, a discussion of the culture and how it translates into their own cooperative games.

Packed with great information on the theory of cooperative games, benefits of playing them, etc. Very interesting read, not just a book that lists out games. Encourages multi-age game playing. Games focus on using an Earth Ball and a heavy canvas parachute, or just bodies.

I also loved the chapter on making us aware of how playground equipment is almost designed to make young children quarrel as it is designed for individual play. The author suggests ways that children can share and play cooperatively as an alternative. He also calls for playground designers to change their thinking and make playground equipment cooperative in nature by making the design for several children to use at once.

A long list of resources and suggested reading is included. Contains a detailed index.

The author is clearly passionate about this subject, the book seethes with enthusiasm. I loved this book! I have since read other books on the subject but so far none compares to this one. Every parent and teacher should read this book.