This morning we played three games because Nick kept wanting to play more. We only play for as long as he seems interested, because there's no point in forcing him to keep playing. I also adapt the rules to his ability, and we allow for some creative rule enforcement if it will keep the game moving. The point of playing is to do something together and learn the dynamics of game play.
Here's a link to a segment about playing games with toddlers from the early childhood show "A Place of Our Own": http://aplaceofourown.org/question_detail.php?id=595
In the following posts, I'm going to review a few of the games Nicholas and I enjoy playing. In the meantime, here is a quick rundown of my favorites. If you have any recommendations for good games, please write about them in the Comments section.
Let's Play Neighborhood Memory Game by Cranium Bloom
Shapes & Colors by Ravensburger
Brown Bear - Panda Bear, What Do You See? Game by University Games
Cariboo by Cranium
4 First Games by Ravensburger
Let's Play Neighborhood Sounds Bingo by Cranium Bloom
Well looking at this list it's pretty obvious what my favorite brands are. Cranium and Ravensburger are both companies that think about what toddlers are like and what their interests are when they create games. Their games also aren't too expensive. However, there are many other great game companies out there; if you know of any, please share!
Benefits of playing games together:
- promotes language & communication skills
- learn turn-taking
- practice concepts
- improves concentration
- builds social skills
- challenge kids
- build confidence
Posts
Liam loves Cariboo!! He'll play it over and over with one of us or by himself, looking for the balls! But he's figured out how to cheat. He peaks in the boxes after a few are open to see where the balls are and tries to pick cards for those specifically. At least he knows what cards to look for when he thumbs through the pile!! lol
ReplyDelete