This exciting group (or family) game encourages kids to use their imagination and improvise as they set out on a make-believe bus journey! It can be used as a fun way to practise arithmetic and numeracy skills, too.
Top tip!
Get the kids to put their arts and crafts skills to the test and make props for the game, such as a driver’s hat and a steering wheel. They can also pack a few things to take with them on their journey, too!Equipment needed
Chairs
Props – optional
Money or tokens – optional
About the activity
Arrange the chairs to resemble the inside of a bus – have one chair at the front for the driver, and a set of chairs behind for the passengers. The more chairs and players, the better the game!
Nominate one player to be the driver and get them to take their seat at the front and simulate driving. Encourage them to have fun acting out their role as they pretend to turn corners, stop at traffic lights, beep the horn etc.
The other players stand to one side at their imaginary bus stops, waiting for the driver to collect them. Every so often, the driver should ‘come to a stop’ and announce which stop they have arrived at – example stops could be the park, the town centre, the zoo, the library and the school. Passengers are then free to board the bus, take a seat and begin their journey!
It may be a good idea to establish a bus route before the game begins – this way passengers can decide on a destination, board the bus, alight and wait for the bus to return before continuing their trip. You could also have the passengers buy tickets or use tokens – this is a great way for kids to practise counting and mental arithmetic.
The main aim is that players have lots of fun exploring their imagination and putting their improvisation skills to the test! Where will they head to on their exciting journey…?
