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Mouse Trap stands out for the variety of skills children put into play as they make their way around the board. They must use construction skills to build the complex mouse traps they will need to avoid if they do not want to get caught. Additionally, kids learn about cause and effect as they see the trap get activated. Kids must also make important decisions if they want to make it to the finish line! This game is recommended for children ages 6 and older.
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This Ravensburger Eye Found It game uses classic Disney characters, including Alice, Belle, Mickey and other favorites, to capture kids’ attention as they move around the board. Kids will need to use important memorization and object identification skills if they want to win. This game is especially great for children in that it encourages teamwork and cooperation rather than competition. This game is recommended for kids ages 4 and older.
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This classic game is timeless. Players choose coordinates on the board in hopes of “destroying” their opponent’s ships. Doing so requires kids to mark the coordinates they’ve already played, paying attention to where hits have already landed and strategically choosing their next move. This version comes with portable battle cases, making it easy to take with you on the go. Battleship is recommended for children ages 7 and up.
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There is more strategy involved in Labyrinth than one might think. Players use the maze cards to create a one-of-a-kind labyrinth. Then, they must do some careful thinking to find the shortest way through the constantly shifting maze while picking up various types of treasure, simultaneously avoiding dragons and other mythical creatures. This is a particularly great option for any kid who is a fan of fantasy and adventure. Labyrinth is recommended for children ages 7 and up, with alternative gameplay options available for younger players.
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Was it Professor Plum with a milkshake at 3:00? Or Mr. Green with lemonade at 1:00? The only way to find out is through the process of elimination. This game is great for kids, as it encourages them to use not only their critical thinking skills but also promotes note-taking and memorization as they work to find out who took the slice of cake. Clue Junior is recommended for players 5 years old and up.
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In the game, players are provided with an interesting image such as a funny photo or illustration, at which they stare for 30 seconds, attempting to take in as much visual information as possible. After that, their opponent has the chance to ask questions about what they saw. In addition to helping kids improve their attention spans, this game is also great at helping kids build cognitive and memorization skills. It can even come in handy for teaching basic vocabulary for younger players as they’re challenged to remember colors, numbers and the names of various items. This game is recommended for players ages 6 and up.
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Kids spin the wheel twice to get two letters that must appear in the words they come up with, and then roll the dice to select a word category, such as “Food or Drink” or “Boy’s or Girl’s Name.” The game can help kids build their vocabulary, spelling and word-building skills while also encouraging them to think critically. This game is recommended for children 8 years old and up.
Expert Commentary
“I believe that board games are staples that need to be introduced early and often in this digital era. Kids who start playing board games earlier will have a higher likelihood of playing them later in their lives. Plus, board games are a tradition that we need to hold onto. These games are a must for families with grade-school children. I love the spelling, reading and memory aspects of several of these games that reinforce foundational skills without being pedantic or dry.”