Playing games is all about having fun, being creative, thinking out of the box and putting our imagination to work.
Playing games can be done anywhere and at any time except, of course, when it is snoozing time for more creativity cells to build up.
Some of the games that could be fun and imaginative that I have played or seen my children playing on their own are:
Travelling games
During road trips when we do not bring any toys or books, we would play what we call the “animal game”. We would take turns to be the one who thinks of a question and the others would try to answer the question. The one who answers it correctly first will be the next person who thinks of the question.
Example: Name me five animals that live in the water.
This game requires no tools or preparation and it can extend beyond animals. When my children learned about deep seawater creatures and planets from reading the encyclopaedia, I would think of related questions to reinforce what they have learned.
Restaurateur games
Imagine yourself as a restaurant owner! First, we need to design a food menu (how fun can that be!). From the process, I learn which food has caught their interest and which are their favourites.
Besides, the kids learn to put a price tag on each menu item as well as how to take orders, prepare and arrange the food and sum up the total bill.
Teacher and student games
Have the elder child become the teacher to give a tutoring session to the younger children. This reinforces what the child has learned while imparting the knowledge to the younger ones. It also helps them to see how easy or difficult it is to be the one who teaches children who find it hard to sit still and listen.
Transport-in-a-box
Recycle all those cereal and electronic item boxes to create a car or truck with the box, complete with gear and rear lamps. It can include whatever the car-loving child can imagine!
Budding builder
Construct a miniature house out of a box and, as time goes by, let the child add on the items in the house (such as sofa, dining table, picture frames). This can be a long-term game that can keep the child occupied for some time. They will start thinking as well as collecting small recyclables which can be turned into something useful for their little house.
For example, we used to make small pans and pots using aluminium tin foil and curtains with small pieces of cloth.
The possibilities are endless when our imagination is at play. What are the fun games you have played with your children? Time to let our brain juices flow!
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