Jumping Jacks

The other day the grandkids were over, and I had a blast playing different games with them. I love just going back to the classics that I enjoyed with my girls as well as when I was a kid. My granddaughter showed me how she did “jumping jacks” at school – and I of course had to show her my version as well (hers were better!). We progressed to hide and seek which of course includes me saying boo a lot once they find me! (although I have to admit it’s not as easy getting back out from behind the couch as it used to be!). And then on to some card games (Go Fish, Grandpa!). It got me to thinking about the origins of these simple games and why they remain so fun. I did some online digging to enhance my own knowledge and just wanted to share. Jackie loves when I say “Did you know…?) Be sure to go play with the kids – and grandkids – you’ll likely laugh like we did and I promise you’ll have a blast … now go have some fun!

Jumping Jacks – Jumping jacks are one of those movements nearly everyone learns early in life — in gym class, at camp, or as part of a warm-up before something more “serious.” The name sounds playful, , which makes it easy to forget that this simple exercise has a surprisingly practical and disciplined origin.

Jumping jacks emerged from early 19th-century military training, when armed forces were searching for efficient, equipment-free exercises that could be done in tight spaces by large groups. The name itself likely came from popular culture rather than official military terminology. One theory points to the jack-in-the-box toy, whose spring-loaded arms and legs pop outward in a nearly identical motion.

By the mid-1900s, physical education programs in schools adopted the exercise, favoring the friendly name over earlier terms like side-straddle hops. What began as a utilitarian drill quietly transformed into a childhood staple — familiar, rhythmic, and oddly comforting.

Did You Know? – Early fitness manuals avoided the term “jumping jack” because it sounded too informal and Astronauts still use jumping-jack-style movements in training to help combat bone density loss.

Red Light, Green Light – Red Light, Green Light feels as natural to growing up as recess itself. The rules are simple, the suspense immediate, and the freeze-at-the-last-second moment never seems to get old. But the game’s name — and its logic — reflects a surprisingly modern influence.

While chasing-and-freezing games existed for centuries, the specific phrasing “Red Light, Green Light” almost certainly emerged alongside automobile traffic signals in the early 20th century.

Earlier versions of the game existed under different names. In Victorian England, children played “Statues,” freezing when the leader turned around. Other European versions emphasized stealth over speed and were known as “Grandmother’s Footsteps.” The American version simply updated the vocabulary to match the modern world.

Did You Know? – Red and green were chosen for traffic signals because they’re visible from long distances, even in poor light and teachers often use the game to help children practice impulse control.

Hide and Seek – Hide and seek is often the first structured game children play — sometimes even before they can fully explain the rules. It works in houses, backyards, schools, and playgrounds, and it never requires equipment or setup. Versions of hide and seek appear in cultures across the world, with references dating back to ancient civilizations.

The ritual of counting aloud likely evolved to ensure fairness and safety, giving hiders time to prepare while building suspense. We counted “one one-thousand” and “one Mississippi” as kids (did you??)

Did You Know? – Peekaboo is considered a developmental precursor to hide and seek and some of the earliest written references to hiding games appear in 2nd-century texts. (As kids, our “hiding area” expanded – sometimes covering the whole block. I can remember hiding in a tree for hours!!) Playing peekaboo in church, getting the little ones to giggle is always fun!

Simon Says – Simon Says is one of those games that reveals its purpose almost immediately: listen carefully or get caught. Children love it for the chaos; adults appreciate it for the quiet order it creates.

The exact origin of Simon Says is unclear, but similar command-based games existed throughout medieval Europe. One popular — though debated — theory links the name to Simon de Montfort, a 13th-century English leader whose commands were reluctantly obeyed. Over time, the rule that commands only count when preceded by “Simon says” introduced a cognitive challenge — players must listen, interpret, and restrain themselves.

Did You Know? – The game is sometimes used in neurological testing to assess executive function, and versions exist in many languages, often with different authority figures.

Hopscotch – Hopscotch may trace its origins to Roman military training, where soldiers ran obstacle courses marked with numbered squares. Over time, these exercises softened into games played by children.

There is also reference to India, where the game was played 1200-500 BCE. In English-speaking world, the late seventeenth century, the name “scotch-hop” appears, the scotch being a line. Different names appear in Turkey, Russia, Poland and Sweden (jumping the garden

Did You Know? – Ancient courts could be huge, sometimes 100 feet long, contrasting with today’s chalk versions. Interestingly, “London” sometimes appears on courts due to the Roman Great North Road, and the game was even played by adults for fun, not just kids.

Tag (You’re It!) – Tag is pure motion — running, laughing, and the sudden thrill of being chased. It needs no setup, no explanation, and no agreement beyond a single touch.

Tag may be one of the oldest games in human history. Ancient Greek writings describe chasing games nearly identical to modern tag. Despite its simplicity, tag actually teaches spatial awareness, social negotiation, and physical confidence.

The phrase “you’re it” likely evolved to clearly designate the chaser, assigning a temporary social role that rotates naturally. Over time, countless variations emerged — freeze tag, flashlight tag, and more — each adapting to different environments and age groups.

Did You Know? – Some anthropologists believe tag helps children rehearse social roles in groups.

Duck, Duck, Goose – Few games spark stronger opinions over such simple rules. The circular motion, rhythmic chanting, and sudden burst of action make Duck, Duck, Goose instantly recognizable.

The game’s roots trace back to Scandinavian folk games, particularly Sweden, where it was known as “Anka, Anka, Gås.” Immigrants brought the game to the United States in the 19th century, especially to the Midwest. Its structure makes it ideal for classrooms, reinforcing patience, anticipation, and turn-taking.

Did You Know? – Minnesota is one of the few places where the game retained its original name — “Duck, Duck, Gray Duck” which is still passionately defended today.

Rock, Paper, Scissors – When arguments stall or decisions feel impossible, Rock, Paper, Scissors steps in — fast, fair, and final.

The game originated in ancient China and spread to Japan, where it became known as jan-ken. From there, it traveled globally through trade and cultural exchange in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Its genius lies in balance: each option defeats one and loses to another, creating a closed loop of equality. This structure makes the game an ideal conflict-resolution tool. Today, it’s used everywhere from playgrounds to boardrooms

Did You Know? – Professional Rock, Paper, Scissors tournaments exist and that the odds are perfectly balanced — no choice is stronger over time, (but you can pick up patterns of your opponent)