We have had so much fun rediscovering family board games in our house! I have found they have really helped with the home schooling too. Its amazing how they can be adapted slightly to help with science, maths or geography! With two children to entertain I was shocked at how much my youngest could do when given the chance! There are various different forms of the titles below, but they have the same concept.
Snakes and ladders
A good old classic but this game has provided us with endless laughs (and a couple of tantrums) in our house. It was a great one to start with getting the children involved in turn taking and rolling the dice. It really helped increase my son’s confidence in numbers. I was amazed at how quickly he was counting in his head to where he needed to stop. We can literally play this a whole morning! Great for Maths and lots of different versions depending on your child’s interests too!
Headbandz
We love this game. So much fun once the little people learn not to tell you what is on your head! We found it works well when my husband and I tend to ask the questions to the children. It really makes them think and we were amazed at the accuracy in their answers too. For slightly older ones there is a prompt card too that can help them think of questions to ask, but they would need to be able to read to benefit from this. We have made a slightly easier version of prompt questions with pictures for the little ones to give it a go.
Snap/pairs.
This is a great game that really little ones can get into. My youngest started playing at two years old. We found this to be great fun to get out when waiting an extra 15 minutes for dinner when the children can be getting fractious. Also when we are able to get out and about one day (whenever it may be) I will be popping a pack of cards in my handbag for those times when you are out and need to keep the little people entertained! Again, lots of different versions, we have Peppa pig, Thomas the tank engine, Bing and Paw Patrol and play them all!
Twister
Great way to all get involved and active. Lots of laughter involved too. We came across one issue, our youngest could not reach between the two extremes. So, we adapted it to that he just had to stand on the right colour. He enjoyed it and felt that he was still joining in. We also gave him the job of chief spinner and he really enjoyed that! When the weather is nice, we also take this one outside. It’s amazing how a change in scenery can make a difference to the whole game.
Kids Jenga
Again, lots of versions of this one and we have two. The colour caterpillars which when we play with the youngest one, we roll the dice and take the colour off the top. When playing with my eldest, we use the wooden blocks and have put some letters on each one to help practising letter recognition and spellings!
I hope you find these suggestions helpful and entertain the little ones at this tricky time.
We like Haba Games. Super rhino challenge looks a lot of fun. Hope you’re okay x