What Games Do Amish Children Play?
The Amish work ethic is learned at an early age. Amish children spend eight months of the year attending school and a great portion of their free time is dedicated to chores and community responsibilities. However, their days are not "all work and no play." Recreation is a valuable part of their daily lives. Since nurturing children is an important aspect of Amish belief, parents are often involved in their children's leisure pursuits.
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Sports
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Amish children and some adults participate in many traditional sports. Baseball and softball are popular in many Amish communities. Volleyball is gaining popularity and is generally considered an appropriate activity for both girls and boys. Hockey is played in many communities, especially those located in colder climates such as Pennsylvania. It is not unusual to see basketball hoops attached to Amish barns in the Midwestern states. Because the Amish do not promote ambition, competition and pride, sports are played as a means of exercise and enjoyment. There are no scores and everyone is encouraged to play. Some communities allow children to play in leagues.
Outdoor Games
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With certain limitations, some Amish communities allow children to have bicycles. Bikes must use only coaster brakes, be neutral in color, silver being the most common, and have no decorations. Other types of wheels are also allowed. Traditional four-wheeled roller-skates are used for both fun and transportation, saving "wear and tear" on the horse and buggy. "Cornhole" is a game played by the entire family. Similar to horseshoes, players take turns trying to throw a bean bag at their opponent's target. Targets are inclined pieces of wood with a circle cut out of the center. Amish boys play a game called "Corner Ball." The rules are similar to dodge-ball, but it is played with a small hard ball. The playing field is covered with straw to protect players from injuries when they fall.
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Indoor Games
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Once the work is done, Amish families often relax by playing games. While electronic games are not allowed, the Amish enjoy many traditional board games such as chess, checkers and Scrabble. Playing card games such as "Cribbage" and even "Uno" are popular pastimes. The same as little girls everywhere, Amish girls enjoy playing house, school and playing with their dolls. Traditional Amish dolls are made of cloth and do not have faces. This tradition is linked to the second commandment, teaching children not to worship images or idols. "Botching" is a clapping game played by adolescent girls. Players sit in chairs facing each other. Participants slap each other's palms and thighs in choreographed routines to the rhythm of classic songs such as "Darling Nellie Gray" and "Pop Goes the Weasel."
Educational Games
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Safety games are integrated into Amish children's daily life. Farming communities have hazards that can be harmful to children. Safety games are used to teach safety in a fun and entertaining manner. Children are taught at an early age how to handle animals and farm equipment. Since Amish children only attend school through the eighth grade, reading and writing are not only leisure pursuits, they are a continuation of their education. "Circle letters" is a fun and effective method of communication. A letter is started by an individual and passed on to other participants. Each person adds to the letter until it completes its circle and is returned to the original author.
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