Clap, Jump, Run! The Games That Made Growing Up Fun

Before phones, tablets, or PlayStations, we had games. Real games. Games that involved singing, jumping, clapping, running—and sometimes arguing. On Children’s Day, these games ruled the playground.

Here are some of the iconic games and songs that defined our childhood:

Suwe (Hopscotch)

You draw boxes on the ground with chalk or charcoal, throw a stone, and hop your way to victory. It was fun, competitive, and slightly risky if your balance wasn’t great.

 Ten Ten

A game of rhythm, quick reflexes, and footwork. You and your partner face each other, clapping and lifting legs in sync to the beat:
Ten ten, ten ten, Suwe!

 Tinko Tinko

Usually played with the hands and a catchy rhyme. A classic sing-and-clap game:
Tinko Tinko, where are you?
Here I am, here I am, how do you do?

 Boju Boju

One child hides their eyes while singing:
Boju boju o… Who’s in the garden?
Everyone hides, and once the singer stops, the chase begins!

 Who Is In The Garden?

A lighter, fun singing game that sometimes turned into a guessing game or dance session.
Who is in the garden? A little fine girl… Can I come and see her? No no no…

Catcher (Police and Thief)

Also known as “chase and run,” this one tested your speed. Once the catcher picked you as a target, you had two options: run or cry.

 Fire on the Mountain

Everyone dances in a circle to the chant:
Fire on the mountain, run, run, run!

Then when the music stops—you scramble to find a partner. One person always ends up left out!

These games taught us coordination, teamwork, and how to settle fights in 30 seconds. They were more than just play—they were part of our everyday joy.

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