Here are some simple game ideas to exercise your children’s minds while entertaining them at the same time.
A Twist on Memory Games
Draw lines to divide a standard size sheet of paper or poster board cut down to size, into four even sections. Have your children draw pictures, covering the whole sheet of paper. The drawing should attempt to cover each section equally. You might want to select a theme such as animals and have each child draw his or her favorite animal. When children are finished drawing and coloring their pictures, they can cut each one into four pieces. You now have a set of memory cards. Turn each “card” upside down and mix them up. Each child will take turns flipping over four cards at a time to try to put a picture together.
*For small children, you may want to stick to typical memory game rules and use only two sections per picture, as this game can be a bit more challenging. It’s still fun and they will enjoy making a game from their very own artwork.
What is it?
After your children complete this game, let them put you to the test!
Fill a box or a bag with interesting items from around the house. Blindfold each person when it’s his or her turn. Have each child reach into the box or bag and touch one item. You may want to let children pull the item out and feel it with both hands, smell it, etc.
He or she should touch it and feel it until ready to guess what it is. You can set a time limit if you like.
Once a child makes a guess, write down the response. Give the next child a turn, and so on. See who can guess the most items correctly. The winner gets to put together a “What is it?” box for Mom or Dad.