An Anytime Anywhere Game

by Lauri Griffin | More from this Blogger

28 Dec 2006 04:25 PM

I'm usually good about planning activities ahead of time. But sometimes we end up waiting much longer at the doctors than we had planned, or flights get canceled, or the restaurant is packed, or the movie is sold out and we have to wait for the next one. And so, we are stuck-waiting, with nothing to do.

Here's a game to play that takes no special equipment and can be adapted for small children all the way to adults. Take a few things out of your pocket or pocket book, or the restaurant table. Examples are a few coins, a pack of sugar, a fork, a button, a chap stick, nail clippers, or a box of mints. Anything small will work.

Place about ten things on the table, or floor, or airport chair. (For younger children, use fewer objects) Have the child look at the objects for a minute, then close their eyes and turn away. While they aren't looking, take one of the things away. Can they tell what is missing?

You can vary this game by removing two or more things, or moving one of the objects instead of taking it away, or adding another object. The kids will also enjoy being the one who adds or takes away the objects and having you guess.

Children love this game. I think it may be because it's so different than most games, and while it's not hard, it is challenging enough to be fun. I often use this game in the classroom. For parties I use more seasonal objects like candy canes, or tiny pumpkins. This game is actually great for improving visual memory skills. Visual memory is important in reading for word and letter recognition.

Although it's my emergency back up game, it's fun enough to play anytime, anywhere.

More No Supplies Needed Activities:

Fun at the Mall

Everyday Math

Learn more about Lauri Griffin

Lauri lives in Colorado with her husband and three sons. Amidst all the laundry and packing of lunches, she tries to keep parenting fun.

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