The hero in this story is Mordecai the loyal advice giver. These simple game ideas can be used, or any from the ‘Purim’ set which includes Esther and the King Xerxes.
Charades – Mordecai was observant so noticed the men plotting to kill the king. Simple charades can be a fun way into this story. Have younger children to act out an everyday task, such as washing up, or doing homework – older children can act out dramatic stories from films.
Haman hats – Traditionally Haman is portrayed as wearing a three point hat. This game uses an old fashioned coathanger (which has three points) worn as a hat. Give each child a hat and a few elastic bands. The aim of the game is to slip an elastic band onto the hook of the coat-hanger someone else is wearing. Only one band can be placed at a time. You may find it helpful to leave a few piles of elastic bands around the room for children to re-stock. (For younger children bend the handle upwards so the bands don’t fall off as they run)
Sack races – In a story with sack-cloth and ashes this is such a simple choice. If you have racing sacks of can get some all you need is a finish line to enjoy the traditional game.
Whispers – I grew up calling this game ‘Chinese whispers’, but you may know it by some other name. Simply send a message round the circle of children by getting them to whisper it once into the ear of the person next to them. tie it into the story with Mordecai sending messages to Esther.
