Let’s Play...

Charades

Charades is played with teams who guess clues from the actions of their teammates. The goal is to have less time than the other team at the end of the game. Players have to act out clues without using props or words while their teammates guess the answer.

To start:

Divide into teams and determine possible clue categories for the game such as movies, books, animals, and /or television shows. Also agree on the number of clues for the game.

Teams separate to prepare clues for the other team on small sheets of paper, folding clue squares and placing them in a team bowl.

Teams determine the maximum time a player gets to act out a clue. We usually use three minutes. Each team designates an official "timer".

Playing the game:

Once the teams have reconvened, play begins. A Team 1 player chooses a clue from the opponent's bowl and secretly reads it. The "timer" starts play and the Team 1 player acts out the the clue until a teammate guesses the correct answer or time expires. The quicker the clue is solved, the better.

The game continues with a Team 2 player. Members alternate to allow every player to act out a clue and then the order is repeated.

Hints:

• For younger children, charades of animals or sports are great. If they cannot read, clues can be drawn or a member from the other team can whisper the clue to them so that the rest of the team cannot hear.
• If there is more than one category, an action can be determined to narrow down the clue. For example, a simple square can indicate a TV show.
• If the group includes players of all ages, have a "kids" bowl and an "adults" bowl for clues.