What Are Local Games?

Local games are traditional games passed down in our communities, usually played with simple materials — a stone, a stick, chalk — rather than expensive equipment. Suwe (also called hopscotch) is one of the most popular local games among children in Nigeria.

Drawing the Suwe Court

Using chalk or a stick on sand, draw a pattern of numbered boxes, usually 8 to 10 in total, in a mix of single and side-by-side squares leading up to a rounded box at the end (as in the picture above).

How to Play

1. Toss a small flat stone into box 1.
2. Hop over that box on one foot through the remaining boxes to the end, then hop back.
3. On your way back, pick up the stone from box 1 without stepping on the line.
4. If you succeed, throw the stone into box 2 next, and continue in that order.
5. If the stone lands on a line, or you step on a line, or lose your balance, your turn ends and the next player goes.

Why Suwe Is Good For Us

Suwe builds balance (hopping on one foot), coordination (aiming the stone accurately), and counting skills (following the box numbers in order) — all while simply having fun with friends.

Evaluation

1. What is a local game?
2. Name the game we learned today.
3. What do we throw into the boxes?
4. How many feet do you hop on in Suwe?
5. What happens if the stone lands on a line?

Assignment

1. Draw a Suwe court on paper.
2. Teach a family member how to play Suwe.
3. Practice hopping on one foot 10 times.