Sonko Game
Sonko/Hopscotch
Name of the Game: Sonko Game
Description
Sonko game would starts off by drawing (painting) a series of squares or rectangles on a clear ground (paver) using broken glass or black charcoal or colored chalk. The squares would then subdivided horizontally into five different compartments and a longitudinal line drawn in the middle to make it ten compartments. The lines drawn would not always be permanent so that they could be easily erased to change the designs if need arose. Sonko game was ideal for children of all ages (older and younger children); girls and boys who could engage with a flat stone locally referred to as 'ekyaana' (baby) to throw in the created squares. At the start of a game, 'ebyaana' (babies) would be placed in the very first square on either side. The gist of the game was for the children to hop over a series of squares with the aim of picking up 'ekyana' (flat stone) thrown. Children would skip the first square where the 'ekyana' (baby) was thrown and hop over the rest. On their way back, the children would pick up the 'ekyana' and exit. One would then have to hop all the way round the 10 squares, making sure they skipped the one with the "ekyana" and did not step on any of the boundaries. If one successfully went through all 10 squares, they would put their back to the square and throw the "ekyana" (baby), with only three chances given for this in case it went outside. If the process was successful, whichever square it landed in was that child's house or resting place. One could then stand with both feet in that area and all the children would skip over it when hopping.
Sonko game is relevant in facilitating the cognitive (mental skills) where children are encouraged to engage in active play and recognition of numbers. Moreover, psychomotor (physical skills) are also taken in consideration where children physically engage in hopping over a series of squares and returning to their original position. Given that, the game involves either two or more children social interaction and collaborative skills are obtained.
Children in both rural and urban contexts of Uganda can play Sonko game. The children in both the rural and urban communities would draw squares/rectangles on a clear ground or modern pavers using broken glass or black charcoal or colored chalk.
Contributor: Dorothy
We have a similar game called Suwe in Nigeria. In this game, players must hop across a pattern of squares that have been placed on the ground and are usually numbered in order to pick up a marker or object without stepping on the lines or losing their balance. Suwe is a good game for all ages since, like hopscotch, it encourages physical exercise and coordination. It's similarity to hopscotch and Sonko highlights its broad cultural relevance.
ReplyDeleteUsually, two players compete against one another, but occasionally, two players can compete against a different group. Each player begins the game with a set of plastic or metal pebbles in their hands. Then, in an attempt to get around the rectangle, each person takes a turn hopping around the squares on one foot. A player can claim a house for themselves by tossing the pebble on an open box after they have navigated the entire rectangle without falling. Other players are not permitted to walk into your house after you have it unless you give them permission. They must have your permission to enter; they will be disqualified if any part of their body touches the area designated as your home.
Consider a scenario in which a player possesses three dwellings. Their opponent finds the game more challenging because he or she must use only one leg to hop over those houses. The rules are as follows;
1. You are not allowed to step on the line, otherwise, you forfeit your round. 2. You must jump over the box containing the pebbles rather than go inside it. 3 You can only use one leg unless you are in your own house. 4. You cannot step into a house, which is a column or boxes that a player has already won and marked. 5. You have to toss a pebble over your head and look away to get a house; your house is located wherever the pebble lands.
This game teaches mutual respect
This is similar to Msukumo. The game teaches Tenacity- Player pushes the stone with one leg while hoping . It teaches respect for people's space as you loose when you land in someone's house. It teaches patience as sometimes you lose and sometimes you win.
ReplyDeleteWe have a similar game, but we called it uSkhoji, taken from the English word Hopscotch, it taught us counting, balance, cooperation amongst team members, sound interpersonal relations
ReplyDelete