The Rubber Band Game A playground game from Solomon islands

This is St Peter’s school playground. It has a roof covering and painted murals.

It’s a great centre for the kids to play games and have fun together.

This is Mary Lampaa. What is she holding in her hands?

They are rubber bands. They cost about one Solomon Island dollar per pack.

To play this game Mary flicks one rubber band with her thumb towards the wall. She knows that if she wins she takes all the bands.

The children by the wall check to see if Mary can land her rubber band on top of the first band.

Now it’s her friend Melida’s turn.

Mary has scored the closest. She is happy with the result.

Mary collects up the rubber bands to have another go.

Playing these games is fun. Do you know any games that use simple objects?

ACTIVITY Invent a game that uses something ‘found’ like a shell or stones or it could be rubber bands. The game must include at least two players. The game can be learned by children who are aged 5 years and up. The game can be repeated. Once you know the game teach it to others. HAVE FUN!

Tagiu Tumas! Thank you very much! Adrian Heke – photographs Nick Borthwick – notes on Solomon Islands The children from St Peter’s school Gizo, who allowed us to share their photos with you.