Traditional games bring joy to campus

The playground at Heya Primary School in Gaomi, a county-level city in Weifang, Shandong province, has become a place of laughter and joy, with traditional games, such as sack tossing, hopscotch, and eagle catches chicks all bringing smiles to students' faces. Recess has become more exciting than ever, as some students jump rope in unison, others skillfully hop through the hopscotch squares.

Children jump rope at Heya Primary School in Gaomi, Weifang. [Photo provided by Li Haitao/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Wang Ziyue, a student at the school, said with excitement, "I heard my parents say they played these games when they were kids. We've never played them before, but they're really fun!" The school has utilized recycled materials like old cloth and packing tape, enriching campus activities and allowing children to connect with past traditions while enhancing their practical skills.

Children play hopscotch at Heya Primary School in Gaomi, Weifang. [Photo provided by Li Haitao/For chinadaily.com.cn]

In recent years, schools across Gaomi have embraced the promotion of traditional games during recess, encouraging children to rediscover the simple pleasures of life and steering them away from electronic devices and costly toys. The activities help to enhance the well-being of students not only by getting them engaged in physical exercise, but also by relieving stress. (Edited by Lin Li)