I have found it a challenge at times to find quality games to play with my kids that we can all enjoy together, especially with a wide age range (6-16). I was so excited when my youngest was able to play a card game, UNO with the rest of us.
However, it can be hard for little hands to hang on to 6 or seven cards at a time, and be able to see the numbers on them. I found this solution a while ago, and it works great.
This truly makes it easier for young ones to hold, and adequately see all their cards, and it’s so simple too!
On vacation this year, we stayed at a rental house where a number of games were provided for our enjoyment. One that I had never heard of before was called Bananagrams.
If you team up a grown up or older child with a younger child, you can help them with their spelling skills too.
On this same vacation, at a novelty store, I found a game that will help my kids with their states, capitals and geography.
This Melissa & Doug License Plate Game lets two play at the same time, by flipping the squares which are attached to the board, when you see a state’s license plate. They can also practice learning each state’s capital, which are included, at the same time.
We have also ordered these Live Butterfly Gardens a bunch of times now, and the whole family enjoys watching the transformation of the larvae to butterflies, and then letting them go outside.
We are trying a new kit this year, a Grow a Frog Kit.
When you buy these kits, the larvae or tadpoles do not immediately come with them. A coupon is included in the box to send away for your live creature. Apparently these frogs can live for years and years. Will keep you posted…
I will be the first to admit that my children love their Nintendo DS’s way too much, but I have found a game that I believe truly helped my youngest with reading and spelling, starting when he was 4-5 years old.
It’s called Super Scribblenauts, and it works by creating whatever your child can spell, and it gives them options if they spell it incorrectly. I do admit, if your child is a very beginner reader, you will be helping them a lot at first, but it’s worth it, because it really did speed up and reinforce my son’s reading and spelling skills.
It’s always nice when learning and fun can be combined!
Hope this gives you some ideas, and I would love to hear about any of your fun and educational ideas!
Jen @ frazzled 5 says
Thanks for the ideas. With 5 kiddos, I need all the help I can get:)
Hugs, Jen
Laura says
such great tips! love the plastic card holder!
Katie Drane says
I love the card holder! Definitely using this with my daughter. I had the frog kit as a kid…loved it. The frog lived for 4 years!
Katie
http://www.funhomethings.com
Mariel says
Yay! I’m always looking for fun things to do in homeschool. I would love to have you come share some of you great ideas over at the link party on ‘Or so she says…’, happening right now. Hope to see you there! http://www.oneshetwoshe.com
Nancy McGinley says
My little one has a huge desire to play card games but has trouble holding cards. I LOVE your simple solution and I’m going to make one ASAP!
Bonny Yokeley says
Your homemade card holders is awesome. When my oldest was young, he had the hardest time holding cards, so he’d lay his down and hide them behind a book or pillow. I always thought there should be a holder, but I never came up with one myself. Eventually I bought some, but your way is great!
bonny @ thedomesticatedprincess.blogspot.com
Sarah Marie says
awww love the grow a frog… when i was little we had one.. his name was gilly….(they send the name with the frog) he lived for 12 years! so much fun
My mom found him at Lark toys in Kellogg MN
Debra Kapellakis says
I am awaiting the results of frog growing kit. 🙂
Margo says
We got our tadpole in the mail, and he’s still alive after two weeks. 🙂