I can't wait to tell you about the latest new books to get your kids excited about reading. So for this summer vacation 2016 or any time, browse through these reviews and see what will appeal to your child. See also my summer book lists by grade and age. New Books for Summer 2016 Nick and Tesla's Solar-Powered Showdown by Bob Pflugfelder, Steve Hockensmith ADVENTURE (ages 7 - 10) I LOVE … [Read more...]
Oddly Obvious Word Game for Kids
Want a learning game that is totally fun? Oddly Obvious is a family word game that is so engaging that kids don't even realize how much they're thinking and learning. But trust me, they will be thinking! This game forces players to think about puns and word play in order to guess the correct word and win. Oddly Obvious Word Game for Kids One Oddly Obvious player reads the other players … [Read more...]
Creative Family Game, Schmovie
Schmovie is a clever family game for ages 8+ requiring creativity to win trophies for making up the funniest, best movie titles. My kids and I love it -- partly because if we play it at night, I'm hopeless at creative movie titles and they ALWAYS WIN. :) Schmovie is meant for 3-6 players or, if you have more people, you can play in teams. Creative Family Game, Schmovie One person judges the … [Read more...]
Yoga for Kids: Practice, Books, Videos, Games
Yoga benefits kids as well as adults. Get your children interested in yoga with picture books, games, and videos. They'll develop your children's interest in starting their own yoga practice. Doing yoga with kids is a wonderful way to get in quality time. It: builds strength improves flexibility develops breath control and awareness relaxes and calms develops … [Read more...]
Story Games For Kids and Families
Stories influence and shape us, they also help us make sense of our lives and the world in which we live. Most of the time we think of story as something that we read or hear. But, it's important to remember that story is also something that we create and say out loud. Building the storytelling muscles in our kids provides a meaningful way for children to build literacy skills, stretch their … [Read more...]
Who Will Be The FASTEST at Puzzle Battle?
You know we love puzzles but do you know that my kids are addicted to puzzle races? (Especially against daddy.) They'll get a stack of 3-4 puzzle boxes with the exact number of pieces, usually 30 - 50, and race to see who can finish all the puzzles first. Well we just discovered that we were on to something. And there's an actual puzzle race you can buy from Blue Orange games called Puzzle … [Read more...]
Engaging Math Dice Multiplication Game
As you know, I'm a huge fan of Think Fun's learning games for kids. Their latest math game, Math Dice Chase, is an engaging game for kids practicing multiplication skills. It's like Hot Potato but with multiplication and pairs of dice. I think it's best for 3 to 6 players and highly recommend it for classrooms. Math Dice Chase Multiplication Game How to Play Math Dice Chase 1. Sit in a … [Read more...]
Logic 3D Four-in-a-Row Game: Stratos Spheres
On those days when only two people want to play a game, as often happens in our house (kid and dad), Think Fun offers a new logic 3D four-in-a-row game called Stratos Spheres for kids ages 8+. Logic 3D Four-in-a-Row Game: Stratos Spheres Stratos Spheres is similar to tic-tac-to except that you must get 4 in a row not 3, and it's in 3 dimensions. Start out with the white piece-- a neutral … [Read more...]
Another Favorite Family Game Dohdles!
Yes, I know we have a new favorite every month. You should see our game closet. We're freaks for games. And, this month our new "play-every-other-night" game favorite is one of the games I recommended for gifts last month, the artistic sculpting game, Dohdles!. (Every time I type that word, my computer auto corrects to doodles. Grrr.) Here's the gist: Players use the play dough to create … [Read more...]
Our New Favorite Family Game — Bounce-Off
So last weekend we opened a new (2015) game. And played it for hours! It's called Bounce-Off. It's surprisingly addictive, very entertaining, and great for anyone-- adults and kids. We highly recommend it for your family since it's our new favorite family game. And, Bounce-Off is in my recommended 2015 games gift guide. (If you want to check out all the games . . .) Our New Favorite Family … [Read more...]
Cool Educational Games for Kids
Looking for Christmas gift ideas 2015? My 2015 holiday gift guide has gifts ideas for kids that are both fun and educational! Today I want to share the best, new educational games for kids that will also make great family game night choices. Enjoy! UPDATE: 2016 Gift Guide for Kids Game Gifts for Preschoolers 1. The Three Little Piggies ages 3+ Smart Little Piggies is a perfect … [Read more...]
Guess The Mess! Game Review
Guess the Mess! is a new thinking game for kids that requires deductive reasoning skills -- in a fascinating, fun way. Guess The Mess! Game Review Players choose a location or setting for their mess. For example: beach, crime scene, school bus, or parade. When the timer is turned, all players must sort through the picture cards in the middle to find pictures that give clues to … [Read more...]