Athletics & Wellness Grade 1 45 min

What Makes It a Game?

Let's learn what makes an activity a real game! Knowing the parts of a game helps us play fairly and have more fun with our friends.

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What & Why

Have you ever wondered what makes something a 'game'? It's not just running around! A real game has three special parts that make it fun and fair for everyone.A Goal: This is what you are trying to do. It could be to score a point, cross a finish line first, or not get caught!Rules: These are the instructions for how to play. Rules keep the game safe and make sure everyone plays the same way.Players: These are the people playing the game! Games are more fun when we play together.
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Example 1 — Tag

Tag is a classic game! Let's see its parts.Goal: The main goal is to not be 'It'. If you are 'It', your goal is to tag someone else so they become 'It'.Rules: One person starts as 'It'. 'It' chases the other players. When 'It' gently tags another player, that player becomes the new 'It'. Sometimes there are 'safe zones' where you can't be tagged.Players: You need at least two friends to play Tag.
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Example 2 — Musical Statues

Let's dance! But wait, it's a game!Goal: The goal is to be the last person still in the game.Rules: When the music plays, everyone dances. When the music stops, you must freeze like a statue. If you move while the music is off, you are out for that round.Players: A group of friends and one person to control the music.

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Sample Practice Questions

Beginner
What is the 'goal' of a game?
A.What you are trying to do to win or finish
B.The name of the game
C.Where you play the game
D.The snacks you eat after
Beginner
You are playing Musical Statues and the music stops. You feel a little wobble. What is the BEST thing to do?
A.Quickly look to see if anyone saw you wobble.
B.Pretend you didn't move.
C.Say, 'Oops, I moved!' and step out for the round.
D.Tell the music person to start the music again fast.
Beginner
Which of these are the 'rules' of a game?
A.The friends who are playing
B.The instructions on how to play
C.The prize for winning
D.The place where you play

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More from Play the Game — Simple Games & Rules

Taking Turns is Fair Play Follow the Leader: Listening to Rules Red Light, Green Light: Stop and Go! Let's Make a New Rule Together Being a Good Sport: Cheering for Everyone
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Frequently asked questions

What grade level is "What Makes It a Game?"?

What Makes It a Game? is a Grade 1 Athletics & Wellness lesson on ExcelOS.

What will I learn in What Makes It a Game??

Let's learn what makes an activity a real game! Knowing the parts of a game helps us play fairly and have more fun with our friends.

Is "What Makes It a Game?" free to practice?

Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.

How many practice questions are included with What Makes It a Game??

This lesson includes 12 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.

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