Because we have many small children at home I am always trying to figure out things to not only entertain them but to educate as well. One thing that we find that all the kids really love is games. My kids love all kinds of games… board games, card games, video games. One kind of game that they all seem to love is the old games that we used to play when I was a kid. You know the ones like Hide and Go Seek, Duck Duck Goose, Freeze Tag, Red Light Green Light, and Simon Says.
What’s good about these games is that all the kids can play together (yes, even the older kids!) and that we can modify them in many different ways to always have a new game to play. What’s more is that we can modify them to be not only entertaining but educational as well.
This weekend the kids had to stay inside because we had rain almost all weekend. When it wasn’t raining it was just too muddy to go out. Besides watching movies and playing video games the kids needed something to do. Before I could even make a suggestion, my oldest son Garrett, who is 14, asked the little kids if they wanted to play Simon Says. They all jumped up and were so excited! They love playing the game.
Garrett started out playing the normal way… “Simon says hop on one foot.” “Simon says blink your eyes.” “Simon says stick out your tongue.” “Sit down! Oh, you’re out! Simon didn’t say!” They had a blast. But then he started playing and teaching at the same time. “Simon says touch something green.” “Simon says say the alphabet.” “Simon says count to 20.” “Simon says find a triangle.” “Twirl around! Oh, you’re out! Simon didn’t say!” The kids love this version even more. Besides just doing physical acts they are searching the room for colors, shapes, and objects. They are counting and thinking. It’s so much fun and they don’t realize they are learning in the process. The older kids can have a hand in teaching in a simple way as well.
There are so many old fashioned games that can be adapted for preschooler (and older) learning. They can be adapted to any learning level or physical ability. Not only can we help our little ones advance in physical skills but mental ones as well all the while having a great time!
What games do you like to play with your preschooler? Have you adapted any games in unusual ways that lend itself for learning in a different way? Have you ever thought about adapting an older game to bring in a teaching moment?
When not playing games with her kids Michelle can be found writing about them at her blog, Pass The Flu Bug Please. Stop by and say hi!
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Very cute! Sounds like fun! :)
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