Dear Game Manufacturers,
Firstly, I want to thank you for creating an incredibly vast
array of board games that can teach my children a whole lot of skills.
Now onto what I really want to say: I know you might be
selling a whole lot of computer games and the likes, but I am going to be one
of those impossible parents who’ll tell you to keep making board games. There’s
nothing like sitting around the table or cozy up on the floor playing a family
game.
Below are some of the greatest board games that focus on
language development, spelling and helps the child find ways to use words
creatively. I chose not to review any games I don’t have, simply because I like
to write about what I know. So, if you have any of your favorite games, please
post below because I’d like to hear what works for you.
Alphabet matching
game
Manufacturer’s age recommendation:
3+
My recommendation: 3-5
(unless the child needs further practice after age 5, it’s time for new
challenges—move on)
This doesn’t need much explanation or warning (oh yes, my
husband warns of the cards that get strewn about and how annoying they are to
pick up) It’s a basic – easy to play –fun way to familiarize the child with the
alphabet or review what he/she is learning.
$11.45
Smart Mouth
Manufacturer’s age recommendation:
8+
My recommendation: You can
start as early as 6.
All the child needs is to be more-or-less familiar with some
sounds. (d/t b/p c/k might be typical letters the child may still mix up at
this age) The objective is to call out a word that begins and ends with the
letters the little thingamajig spits out. If playing with a young child, I
recommend taking it slow, not putting the child under pressure for time —take
it slow and steady.
$16.24
You’ve Been Sentenced
Manufacturer’s age recommendation:
8+
My recommendation: 10+
I’m not so sure an 8 year old can really do this. When I
taught middle school, I introduced this game into my ELA class. The kids went
wild over it and giggled all the way through it. I’ve also played this with
adult friends in the office; what I find amazing is how versatile the game is,
and how adaptable is to just about any age group so long as they understand
what makes up a sentence. The game in a nut shell: Each player gets a set of
cards and you need to try and create a sentence that is grammatically correct
using as many words from your pile as you can. Then, you share the sentence you
formed and begin to laugh because while grammatically they’re ok, the bulk of what
they say makes no sense. Sometimes it’s just so funny that I’ve not been to be
able to get through reading the sentence aloud.
$19.68
Banana Grams
Manufacturer’s age recommendation:
8+
My recommendation: 10+
Why the magic number 8? I don’t see any games for 9+ or 10+
I wonder who thought of 8… Rest assured, I wasn’t that person!
Banana Grams are on my personally-most-hated-game list,
because I lose to my sister-in-law every time! But hey—I’ve got to hand it to
the makers of this game: the packaging is wonderfully compact, and it’s a fun
game for adolescents, teens, and adults. Hmmm maybe we can all get along?
$14.95
What’s a favorite
board game in your house? Is it your favorite or your child’s? Tell us about it
in the comments section below.
