Since moving to the new blog home. I am reprising some older blog posts. Right now, this particular post couldn't be more meaningful, as many children/students and parents are quarantined/sheltering-in-place, due to COVID-19 pandemic. With the increase of board games and puzzles, balancing time between work and play, while at home; this indeed, may become a valuable resource. This may also assist with diminishing screen-time. I wanted to share a couple of board games. Throughout the years, many of the kiddies I've worked with, counseled, and consulted with, really responded too. They never got sick of playing them! In an age, where children are glued to game consoles, television, and computers; there is something nostalgic and simplistic about traditional board games. These are some of my favorites for increasing emotional intelligence, safety, and learning practical life skills.
Feelings Fair by Franklin Learning Systems
Feelings Fair is a great game for children to learn about healthy ways of expressing their emotions. My experience with children is that, there are usually only two emotions: good and bad. This game is great at encouraging the children to express their emotions, recognize others emotions, and increase emotional and social maturity. It is a very user friendly game with uses of colors and counting. Age: 12 years old through adult
Overheating!: An Anger-Management Game by ChildsWORK/ChildsPLAY
Overheating!, is a game for children, to teach anger management techniques and coping skills. As they travel down, the roadway themed game board, children recognize the consequences of letting angry feelings rule their behaviors.
Age: Ages 7 years old through 12 years old
Angry Monster Machine Board Game by ChildsWORK/ChildsPLAY This game is designed to help provide insight into the root(s) of the problem(s) associated with feelings around anger and to introduce coping mechanisms to children. Age: 5 years old through 10 years old
Safety Island by Franklin Learning Systems
This is a great safety game, that allows children to choose from multiple choice answers pertaining to potentially dangerous scenarios, subjects ranging from alcohol use, bullying, to safety on the waters (life jackets, sunscreen etc.). I would tailor the subjects to the age range you are playing with.
Age: Ages 7 years old through 12 years old
Maisy's Color Matching Game by Lucy Cousins
The whole Maisy Mouse line is excellent for toddlers to preschool. The games are very bright and user friendly, by using common objects that are great for color and shapes, word, and object recognition, along with recognizing relationships. I've used this game with my toddlers to reinforce skills of daily living, such as, the sequence of getting dressed in the morning. Age: 3 years old + and older (there are small pieces that are choking hazards)
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