30 INDIGENOUS KENYAN COUNTING GAMES AND HOW THEY ARE PLAYED GRADE 5
How
to play: One child counts up to a chosen number (e.g., 20 or 50) while the
others hide. After counting, the seeker tries to find the hidden players. The
first one found becomes the next seeker.
Skills
learned: Counting, timing, observation.
How
to play: Two players throw a ball to hit others in the middle. The players in
the center count how many dodges they make before being hit. The person with
the most dodges wins.
Skills
learned: Counting, agility, coordination.
How
to play: Players line up and take turns sliding down a smooth surface. Each
successful slide earns a count. The player with the highest count wins.
Skills
learned: Counting, turn-taking, balance.
How
to play: A chant involving numbers is sung (e.g., “Kula nyama ya ng’ombe, moja,
mbili, tatu…”). Players must clap or jump whenever a number is chanted. Missing
the count means elimination.
How
to play: Small pebbles are arranged in a circle. Players pick a set number
(e.g., 5), then toss and catch one while trying to collect others. Score is
based on how many are picked successfully.
How
to play: Played with holes dug in the ground and seeds or stones. Players
distribute and count stones according to specific rules. The winner is the one
who collects the most stones.
How
to play: A flower (ua) is placed on the ground. Children step around it in a
circle while chanting numbers. One wrong step or incorrect count removes a
player.
How
to play: Players jump while counting aloud. The goal is to reach a certain
number without stumbling. This game builds rhythm and stamina.
How
to play: Similar to jacks. Children toss a stone and try to pick others before
catching the tossed one. They count each successful round.
How
to play: Children pretend to go on a safari. They take steps while counting the
animals they pretend to see. The first to reach 10 or 20 steps wins.
How
to play: One child counts numbers while the others must form tree shapes using
their arms. Wrong movements or incorrect counts remove a player.
How
to play: One child reads numbers written on stones. Others race to pick stones
in numerical order. Mistakes lead to a redo.
How
to play: Kids form a circle. One stands in the middle and tosses numbers:
"Ndimu moja, chungwa mbili…” The group must act out or clap for each
count.
How
to play: Each child is given a number. A chant is sung. When a number is
mentioned, the child must run around the circle and return before the song
ends.
How
to play: Players draw a grid with numbers 1–10. They toss a stone and jump
through while skipping the number where the stone lands.
How
to play: A small object is hidden under three containers. The player guesses
while counting aloud. Points are earned for each correct guess.
How
to play: A chant about giraffes includes counting actions. “Twiga mmoja…twiga
wawili…” Each number requires a movement like stretching or jumping.
How
to play: Children kick a small ball or tin while counting kicks. Missing kicks
ends the round.
How
to play: Children count imaginary steps while climbing a “mountain” (can be a
slope or raised area). The one with the most steps wins.
How
to play: One player pretends to pour water. Others must catch the imaginary
drops in their hands while counting them.
How
to play: Holes are dug in the ground. Players take turns throwing pebbles while
counting which hole the pebbles enter. Each hole has a score.
How
to play: Players “fetch” water using containers. Each trip counts. The winner
is the one who fetches the most without spilling.
How
to play: Numbers are written on the ground. Players run and touch them in
sequence. Mistakes disqualify the player.
How
to play: Kids pretend to be cows. One “herder” calls them out by number. When
their number is called, the “cow” must moo and run.
How
to play: Children draw numbers in the sand and try to identify or jump to the
correct one when shouted by a leader.
How
to play: Children skip rope while counting aloud. The highest skip count wins.
How
to play: Ten sticks or trees are used. Children touch each tree in sequence
while counting correctly. A mistake sends them back to the start.
How
to play: A counting rhyme is sung, and each line includes a body part. Players
touch that part in rhythm.
How
to play: A clapping game with a chant counting up to 10. Each count adds a clap
or movement.
How
to play: Kids race while sweeping leaves. Each sweep is counted. The first to
reach the finish line with the most sweeps wins.
Counting
games in Kenya are more than just fun activities; they teach numbers, rhythm,
and teamwork. They mix creativity with learning and use everyday places and
materials. These indigenous counting games are important for preserving culture
and educating young minds in a joyful, community-oriented way. Teaching them to
the next generation helps ensure that this valuable part of Kenya’s heritage
continues to thrive.
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