Tuesday: Products

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.

http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Journey-Match-Alphabet-Memory/dp/B003BEDE5A/ref=sr_1_12?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1327470420&sr=1-12

$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.

http://www.amazon.com/Think-Fun-5530-ThinkFun-Smart/dp/B00005MP02/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1327469824&sr=1-1

$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.

http://www.amazon.com/McNeill-Designs-5511848-Youve-Sentenced/dp/B000EVLZ9U/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1327469743&sr=1-1

$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?

http://www.amazon.com/Bananagrams-BAN001/dp/1932188126/ref=sr_1_24?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1327469930&sr=1-24

$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.