Critical thinking skills don’t magically appear in our children. They are learned. While many thinking skills are learned at home through normal, everyday activities, they can also be learned through playing games. Games that involve strategy help kids consider options, plan their next move, and notice patterns. Even kindergarten-age kids can enjoy a strategical challenge. Try one of these strategy games with your children and watch them think and learn!
Sequence for Kids
This kid-friendly version of the classic Sequence game involves picture cards with a board that contains matching pictures. Players choose one of their cards, put a playing chip on the matching square, and try to get four chips in a row. The first one with four in a row wins. Not only do the kids have to think about their own row of four, they also need to consider how they can keep their opponents from getting four in a row.
Blokus
Blokus is one of those games kids and adults can learn very quickly, and then spend years perfecting their strategies. The game pieces include a square board and 4 colors of 21 different-shaped pieces. Players take turns laying their pieces down, but pieces of the same color can only touch on the corners. What strategy will allow you to place all your pieces on the board? What strategy is best for blocking your opponents? Is it better to put down the big pieces first or the smaller pieces? These questions and many more will run through your child’s mind as he learns how to win the game.
Connect 4
This four-in-a-row game has two sides. Players take turns dropping their tokens into slots at the top and try to get four of their color in a row, vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. This is great for learning how to think spatially because you don’t get to place your token in the exact spot you want it. You have to drop it down and figure out where it’s going to land and how that will affect your game. Part of the strategy involves keeping an eye on your opponent’s color and making sure she can’t get four in a row before you do.
Qwirkle
Try this game when you feel like your child is ready for a game that involves scoring. The Qwirkle tiles are decorated with different colors and shapes. Match colors and shapes in rows to score points. The learning curve might be higher than some of the other games on this list, but it’s fun and challenging once you get the hang of it. Your brain might bend and grow as much as your child’s brain!
Laser Maze Jr.
This single-player game challenges your child to reflect a laser beam off satellites to reach the rockets. Little scientists need to complete their missions using strategy and logic. The challenge cards range from easy to super hard. This game is great for igniting some thinking skills when your child is playing alone.
Dominoes
A good set of dominoes is a versatile learning and thinking tool! The traditional game of dominoes provides plenty of opportunity for strategizing. Kids think about what moves will work, what move will open up space for future moves, and so on. When the game is over, have your child set up a domino track, or build a house, or make a sturdy wall. Whether your child is matching dots or learning how to place dominoes together so they don’t tip over, they are learning how to think in strategical ways.
We hope you and your child have a wonderful time learning how to play these games. Put on your thinking caps, open up the game, and play strategically!
