9 years and older
An ideal game for a group getting to know each other in an energetic and playful way.
PLAY
For this game it is necessary to set out a small space for each person (except the postman) such as a chair (or something to sit on), a hoop, rope or circle drawn on the ground with chalk, etc.
The players sit on their chairs in a cir- cle (or stands in theirs hoop, chalk cir- cles, etc.). One player, the postman, stands in the centre. He says clearly: “The mail is here.” The other players ask:“Who for?”The postman answers: “For everybody who…” and he invents something: “… has a brother, everybody who has been to Paris, everybody who wears glasses, every- body who likes playing soccer, etc.” Everybody who “receives a letter” has to get up and switch places as quickly as possible. At the same time, the postman has to try to find a place for himself. Whoever is left without a seat is the new postman and brings the next letter, for “everybody who…”
Rules:
- You cannot change places with a neighbour;
- You must run to change place (speed - reaction);
- You must not stay seated if the “let- ter” is for you (honesty);
- You must not touch (collide with) other players (respect – non vio- lence);
- You must not bring the same letter twice (concentration and creative thought).
Progression: to make the game more difficult (without chairs), use an imagi- native starting position. The players can stand (or crouch) in the hoop with their backs to the centre. This increases concentration and reactivity.
OBJECTIVES
Psychosocial: to develop concentra- tion (listening), creative thought, respect (non-violence) and honesty. Physical: to work on reaction, running speed and agility.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The first time, the animator can play the role of the postman to help the children understand the game. Letters must be adapted for the age of the children. They can focus on superficial criteria such as appearance for younger children, or more personal criteria such as beliefs, personality, tastes, etc. for older children.
The animator must insist on the liveli- ness of the game and ensure that the rules are respected. He makes sure that the postman is not always the same person (if necessary adding the rule: no more than 3x postman, for example), and that each child is the postman at least once.
Call attention to aspects of security: the players tend to be very enthusias- tic and “throw themselves” at chairs without paying attention to others… Beware of the risks of collisions and falling.
DISCUSSION
- Did you learn something new about any of your companions? What?
- Did you like being the postman? Can you explain?
- Was it difficult to think of ideas for letters?
- Did certain questions bother you? Can you explain?
- Were you always honest or did you pretend not to have to change seat at times? Can you explain?
- Etc.