Raising a child faces its fair share of challenges, but it can also be fun and full of adventure! Games are a great way to incorporate learning and laughter for you and your preschooler. They are also one of the most educational ways to teach your preschooler about essential life skills. Games include listening to directions, the ability to tolerate waiting/frustration and communicating with other children. Let’s discuss 3 of the top games for parents and/or nannies to play with their kids! Please note: the games below require few or no supplies, and are suitable for both indoor and outdoors.
1. “Storytime Clap”: This game is fantastic for listening and language development skills. All you will need for this quiet game is a storybook.
Directions:
Step 1: Have your preschooler pick out a story they like. Then, briefly scan the book for a common word or phrase throughout the story. Example: A transition word such as “and” or “too”.
Step 2: Let the child know what word you chose. Whenever you say that particular word throughout the story, your child will clap once they hear it.
2. “Snowman Says”: This group game offers a winter twist on the traditional “Simon Says”. Perfect for the indoors or outdoors, “The Snowman Listening Game” requires the following: Snowman Says Game Cards (free printable download), a black top hat and pair of scissors.
Directions:
Step 1: Print a set of the Snowman Says game cards and cut into individual cards. Place the cards inside the black top hat.
Step 2: Have your child be the snowman and give them the hat with the picture cards inside to read aloud. These picture cards serve as great visual cues for your preschooler.
Step 3: You (and/or other kids) will listen to the snowman and perform the action that he or she says. If the snowman says “Snowman says” and you do the action they are in. If the snowman does not say “Snowman says” and you do the action, you are out. Going in and out promotes engagement and your preschooler will have a better understanding of the game.
Step 4: After a few turns, switch to a new “snowman” to continue playing the game!
Optional: During the spring months, try a variation of the game called “Easter Bunny Says”. Directions can be found here.
3. “Holiday Scavenger Hunt”: The reason why this game is so helpful for preschoolers is because they’re discovering their freedom. That feeling to seek and search is very beneficial for developing their curiosity and memory. There are four main types of hunts: colors, letters, outdoor and themed.
Directions:
Step 1: For this themed hunt, we recommend purchasing knick-knacks from the dollar store or DIY arts and crafts. For example, for a “holiday hunt”, you can purchase ornaments or chocolates, and draw objects like presents or Christmas trees on cardstock paper.
Step 2: Once you have all of your objects, hide them in the main areas around the house or outside. You can let your child know how many you hid of each object like “5 Christmas trees”, so they know to look for 5 total. You can help them along and do it together. How fun!
Need more ideas? Check out “Days with Greys”, showcasing a variety of preschool scavenger hunts.
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The Cradle Boss Baby is the #1 resource for new and current parents to help break down the best practices for pregnancy, parenting and beyond. Our team is composed of highly-skilled childcare specialists, nannies and caregivers (some who are parents themselves!) to best support and understand your needs as a new parent. Stay tuned for part 1 of our new “NANNY 101” Series, which uncovers additional assistance and resources available for parents. This will include discussions on nannying, working with school systems and how to find overall family balance.
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