Children generally enjoy this game because it's fast-paced and fun while improving sequencing, memory, attention to detail and concentration. Gather a small pile of assorted coins. To begin, choose five coins and arrange them into a pattern on the table. Have your child study the type and sequence of the coins, then cover them with a piece of cardboard. Ask them to make the same sequence with the coins in the pile. Mark the amount of time it took her to complete the exercise. If she was wrong, repeat the same pattern again until she gets it correct. Increase the difficulty and the amount of coins you use as you continue to play and your child improves.
Simon Says requires children to listen aloud to directions, remember the rules and apply them. Children are able to increase their focus and self-control through continued play. Memory games, whether store bought, handmade or using a deck of cards, promote the use of the working memory. The child must remember what picture was on the cards he previously flipped to gain points by matching pairs. Simple card games such as War, Go Fish, Old Maid and Uno can also provide similar results.
Board games build self-control as children must learn the rules of the games and how to interact appropriately with others even if the game is not in their favor. Children have to focus and concentrate on what their opponent is doing in games like checkers and chess. These games also teach them to strategize. Crossword puzzles help children build on word recognition and sequencing while puzzles with hidden pictures increase their attention span and concentration skills.
Guessing games such as I Spy help children increase their ability to focus and concentrate. Red Light, Green Light encourages children to concentrate on the direction being given and control their bodies by following the rule. The consequence for not following the directions is to go back to the beginning. Musical Chairs helps children focus on the music starting and stopping and increases self-control through following the rules. The children must stay in a certain area, listen to the music and avoid pushing or shoving when it comes time to grab a chair when the music stops. Another game that helps with bodily self-control is the bell game. Each child carries a bell and has to walk along a certain path without making a sound. Increase the difficulty depending on the age of your children.