Autumn and my favourite game

I always think that there is something about autumn that is bittersweet. I suppose it’s because it signals the end of summer and because it always takes me back to my very happy childhood. Memories seem to come thick and fast with the chilling of the nights and the changing colours of the leaves. Memories of gathering blackberries and coming home to hot buttered crumpets, walking in the woods with autumn colours blazing all around. Memories of walking to school past bushes dripping with the heavy morning dew and seeing spider webs defined with little drops sparkling in the hazy morning sun – sorry I’ve come over all poetic!  I do think autumn is my favourite time of year, a time for getting out your winter woollies, swapping your sheets to brushed cotton flannel that feels warm as toast as soon as you get into bed. Autumn makes me want to don my wellies and head off for the nearest woods – something I got to do recently with Amy’s school nature ramble – a great morning spent digging in wet leaves, moving rotten logs and scooping up bugs with Amy and her classmates. Autumn makes me want to be a child again!

Anyway with thoughts of childhood in my head, I thought I’d share with you my favourite childhood game (courtesy of my Dad) which has now become one of Amy’s favourites. I’ve been really enjoying reading Rebecca’s senses series where she describes simple fun games to play with your children that encourage them to think about the world around them. This too is a simple game (all the best games are in my opinion). All you need is 1 sheet of paper and a pen per person (2 players or more). Fold the paper into quarters across the width and flatten out again. Then draw a head (human, animal or fantasy) and fold the paper over, hiding your drawing but leaving the bottom of the neck showing. Then everyone passes their piece of paper on to the next person. In the 2nd quarter join a body, arms and top of legs onto the neck and fold the paper again so only the tops of legs are showing. Pass the drawing on again. Draw legs in the 3rd quarter (but not feet) wiggly, hairy, fat, thin etc then fold the paper leaving the ankles showing. After passing the drawing on again draw feet in the last quarter and fold up completely. Pass the drawing on one last time then everyone opens up to see what fantastical creatures have been drawn. Little kids love playing as part of a team with a grown-up. It’s great fun seeing what funny creatures appear and never fails to make Amy laugh.