PIATNIK Activity Original | 6028

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Use the printables included below to make it a thought-provoking and fun hands-on learning activity for older kids, or simplify the process for younger kids by using a free board game template. Note: This was a “Make It Monday” activity for our “ Summer Plan for Fun” (my quest to give summer a little structure and keep my kids involved in lots of hands-on, play-based learning). Discuss together that there are MANY different kinds of games, but many of them have certain things in common. Look at the games you’ve gathered, and answer the five questions on the “What makes a game?” graphic organizer sheet. Battleship is a guessing and memory game that has players racing to sink each other’s ships. In the online version of the game from Papergames, you can find a random opponent, challenge a friend, or start an online tournament. Instead of ships, the game uses colorful skulls. Also, if you play the game regularly, then you can earn coins to trade for emojis and custom avatars.

Pictionary is one of the best online board games for kids. This drawing game is an artsier version of charades, and tends to be family friendly. Drawize is one of the best platforms for multiplayer online Pictionary. You can create a private room for yourself and other players, then take turns scribbling and guessing at drawings that appear in real time. I highly recommend having kids sketch out their plan for their game before you give them their final materials to make the game. This will give them a chance to finalize their ideas and it gives you a chance to ask questions and help them fill in any gaps in the plan. Step 4: Make your game

Playing board games is one of the simplest group activities, yet the logistics of playing together while far apart can make the task seem challenging or impossible. Thanks to technology and the dedication of developers who love board games, there are a variety of unique and classic online board games to play with friends, family, and remote coworkers. Then, you can give them a board game template so they don’t have to make their game from scratch. You can print a free blank board game template here. There are also lots of benefits to encouraging children to create their own homemade board games,including:

Fun family time - playing board games together is a great way to get the whole family together and focused on a shared activity that everyone can enjoy. Are you a game loving family? We have a whole closet full of board games, and my oldest son (8) is always trying to hunt down someone–ANYONE–to play a game with him. For younger kids, you can skip the analysis in step one and just have a simple discussion of what things ALL board games have (players, a goal, spaces, etc.). Developing critical thinking skills - creating their own game encourages your child to think critically and creatively about how their game can be played and won. These activities are an example of online games for teams and online group games, and are similar to team building board games. These games also work well for virtual game nights.

Or, you can also play virtual Pictionary by using the digital whiteboard feature in your video conferencing platform. Settlers of Catan is a world building game where players win points based on achieving certain milestones within created civilizations. Catan Universe is an official online multiplayer version of the board game available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The game comes in card game or board game version for up to three players, with free options available, and includes high definition graphics and seamless animations.

If you've enjoyed reading about our home-made board games, why not find other fun indoor things to do in March at home?

This is the best part! If your kids are anything like mine, they will be thrilled to tell everyone about the game they made up ALL on their own (nevermind all the help and support you offered). Have a family game night, and take the opportunity to really celebrate their hard work and creativity! Adapting this activity for younger kids: We have board games and game templates for all kinds of learning topics, such as editable Snakes and Ladders or these Scrabble Letter Cards. How does playing board games benefit my child? Pro tip: You can also play a DIY version of Guess Who by selecting and displaying random pictures of people, or by using other Zoom participants as characters.