Tri-Spy is a logic and problem solving based game that is fun and challenging for seven year olds and parents alike. Given the reasoning and problem solving behind the game, it is especially popular with boys. The idea of this fast-paced game is to match patterns from cards while being limited to only moving one piece per turn. The cards are picture based, so even seven year olds who are slower at reading can be equally challenged and have an equal chance to win the game.
At some point in second grade your seven year old may be expected to memorize the 50 states and their capitals. Give your child a fun head start on this daunting task by playing a game that brings children to the mastery level with geography without even realizing it. Players are challenged to randomly choose a state card and name and locate certain aspects of that state on a map. Facts on the cards include the state name, shape, capital, nicknames, crops and geographic features.
If your child is struggling with geometry, this game is ideal. Rush Hour comes with 40 cards ranging from beginner to expert. The game begins by placing the cars into the listed traffic jam. The goal of the game is to open up traffic so that the red sports car can drive away. Rush Hour has won 19 education awards including the Parent's Choice and Learning Magazine's Teacher's Choice Award. The game now can be played on iPad, iPhone and Android devices.
Mancala is a classic "family" of games that use similar equipment, but whose rules differ. Mancala is believed to have been created in Africa hundreds of years ago. While the method of moving around the board varies from culture to culture, winning requires that each player count the number of pieces under their control in order to capture the opponent's pieces. The pieces are typically polished stones or seeds. Player strategy is dependent upon ability to reason and count. The game also can be played online.