Make your own problem-solving game. This is a game that kids can play by themselves or with friends or family. It is geared for children five and up.
Use the graph paper to plan out a design that has an odd number of dots or places where lines can cross each other. Then cut out the shape before gluing it to the poster board.
Lay the board on newspaper and stick a push pin in every dot of line intersection. Be sure to leave one space open in the center.
Follow the object of the game by jumping pins over each other and removing them, similar to checkers. The goal is to end up with the last pin in the center space.
Make a second board so that two people can play at the same time. The person who finishes first wins.
Make a spelling game. The goal is to spin the spools to make real words. This is a fun game that allows children to learn the sounds of letters and what letters form a word.
Start with 52 wooden craft spools. You can purchase these at any craft store. They come blank with no actual thread on them.
Write one letter of the alphabet on each spool until you have all of the letters (26 spools). Make another set, so you have used all 52 spools.
Use a 12-inch (in length) dowel rod that will fit through the spool holes ready to go. The children will use the dowel rod to hold the spools as they forms the words.
Set a timer for one to three minutes, and let one child make as many words as she can before the time runs out. Compare her time to the next child, and so on. See who gets the most words in the same amount of time.
Let older children race each other, making words at the same time. This will give them more of a challenge.
Make your own BINGO cards for just about any subject. BINGO is not only fun to play, but helps children remember facts quickly, making the lessons stick with them longer.
Visit the DLTK Kids website (link provided below) for free printable BINGO cards and call out sheets. You can print ready-made cards or design some yourself .
Laminate the cards for durability. Cut out the call out sheets and keep them in a Ziploc bag for safekeeping.