Imaginative Playground

Especially in cities, children living in apartment buildings often do not even know one another. In rural areas, contact among children remains somewhat more genuine and frequent, but the digital world is slowly replacing the natural playground there as well.

The differences between urban and rural childhoods are thus fading, except perhaps for the possibility of running freely in front of the house or exploring a nearby forest.

Children today are also less excited by toys or quickly grow tired of them. In the past, the attitude toward toys was noticeably more respectful.

Popular Games in Slovenia Long Ago

Play has always played an important developmental role: it encouraged cooperation, imagination, motor skills, social interaction, and feelings of achievement.

Playing with pebbles taught precision and rhythm; the “rooster fight” developed competitiveness, balance, and quick judgment.

“Blind horse” strengthened orientation and sound perception, while hopscotch improved balance and spatial awareness. Games like fuclanje allowed constant adaptation of rules, as children continuously invented new challenges.

The Lasting Value of Simple Games

In somewhat later periods, the elastic jumping game gumitvist became one of the most popular children’s activities. It required rhythm, coordination, and precise jumps, similar to the hula - hoop, which quickly became a modern play accessory. Children often gathered for games such as “rotten egg,” where the key to winning was noticing the exact moment when the handkerchief dropped. Zemljo krasti (“steal the land”) demanded tactics, courage, and speed, as players defended their territory while trying to conquer others’. Tension peaked in the game Kdo se boji črnega moža (“Who’s Afraid of the Black Man”), which combined chasing, strategy, and team competitiveness. Classic games also included blindfold tag, skipping rope, “Is the Bridge Strong?”, and “Little Joe”.

All these activities gave children opportunities for movement, anticipation, and cooperation.

Some games survived with more precise rules, having been passed down almost unchanged. In “rotten egg,” the child who noticed the handkerchief had to chase the “rotten egg”; in zemljo krasti, the aim was to gradually take over territory until one player controlled the whole circle.

The common thread among all these games was simplicity, which allowed for the greatest creativity.

All that was needed was imagination, movement, and companionship without technology, equipment, or predetermined instructions. Rules were passed down orally, and the playground shifted with the seasons, available space, and the group of children.

The Valuable Qualities of Play

Play remains fundamental to a child's development. It has been shown to reduce stress, strengthen self-regulation, enhance socio-emotional and language skills, and stimulate cognitive growth. During play, neurochemical processes are activated that make learning easier and build neural connections. Research on the absence of play further confirms its importance: by enabling children to process conflicts, regulate emotions, and acquire new skills, play is essential for healthy development.

More than purchased toys, it is creative and open-ended play that truly matters - the kind that once filled courtyards and meadows and still retains its timeless charm today.