SEPTEMBER 2009
Skill-Building Through Game Playing
By Joan Craven © 2009

There are a number of skills children from three years old and up learn through board games including problem solving, identifying patterns, vocabulary skills, math skills, confidence building, risk-taking, persistence, deduction, memory and decision making.

To me the most important feature of board games is that they will give you an opportunity to spend some time together. Turn off the television and the computer and set aside time to have a games night.

Here is a list of some of the recommended games from the Canadian Toy Testing Council http://www.toy-testing.org that your family might enjoy. Or bring out one you used to enjoy when you were a child and teach your children.

Games

* QbicZu (Qbic Toys (PTY) Ltd) - 3M version of the Tic-Tic-Toe game. Ages 4+

* Thomas Making Tracks Game (Briar Patch) - For two to four players. Ages 4-6.

* Mix & Match Memory Follow Me to the Sea/Country (Cranium)- A puzzle and a game all in one.  Ages 3-8.

* Quack Quack (Blue Orange Games) - Quick and Easy, for two to four players.  Ages 3-6.

* Seek & Find Let's Go to the City/Carnival (Cranium) - A new spin on the traditional puzzle.  Ages 3+

* Pocket Fundomino (Blue Orange Games) - A highly jumbled game of dominos they can take with them wherever they go.  Ages 6+

* Ducks in a Row (Think Fun) - For two players.  A bit like checkers and tic-tack-toe and encourages strategic thinking.  Ages 5-7.

* Don't Wake Hulk (Milton Bradley) - This silly and fast-paced game is great entertainment for younger children.  Ages 3-5.

* Kid Audio Safari (Boom Toys Inc) - Fun listening game.  Ages 3+

* Dr. Suess Horton Hears A Who! You to the Rescue! (I Can Do That! Games) - Save the Who's before the timer runs out!

* Pengoloo (Blue Orange Games) - Fast-paced, all-wooden memory game

Dear Subscriber,
Coming on October 1st, a website called www.inexpensivekidsfun.com will be launched and I hope you will visit it. It will answer that age old question that has many adults scratching their heads, "I'm bored, what can I do today?"

Parents, grandparents and early childhood educators can find daily resources for children's activities, parenting articles, and much, much more. The first 500 subscribers will receive a yearly membership for as little as $5 per month!  

If you would like to be notified as soon as the site goes live please email me at joan@inexpensivekidsfun.com and put SNEAK PREVIEW! in the subject line.

The online What Can I Do Today newsletters that you signed up for will now be available on www.inexpensivekidsfun.com as well as many other articles, ideas and tips to keep you and your children, birth to eight years old, informed and busy in the coming years.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Joan

Visit www.inexpensivekidsfun.com after October 1st, 2009.
Joan offers workshops and seminars. Call her toll free at 1- 888-FROG FUN (1-888-376-4386) or in Calgary 1-403-286-7721 to set one up for your parent group.