My kids have been busy this summer trying out new games that I have found in stores and online, and we have found some good ones that you will want to be sure to drop in your mentoring bag or in your KIDS HOPE USA closet this school year. What makes a game good for the mentoring hour?
1. It can be adapted. The kids we work with are all ages and skill levels. I want a game that will grow with children…one that you can bend the rules to make fit!
2. It is a 2-4 person game.
3. It is easy to learn. You don’t want to spend the whole hour learning the rules. As an extra tip…be sure that YOU know how to play the game BEFORE you go to your mentoring hour!
4. It takes 5-10 minutes to play. Kids have short attention spans! You have a lot to cover in the mentoring hour.
5. It is educational and fun! Learning can be fun!
With that in mind, let me tell you about a new card game called 7 ate 9. This fun little game will easily fit in your bag and will help give your child time to practice simple addition and subtraction facts. The object of the game is to be the first person to play all of his or her cards. You play cards as you find the answer to the addition and subtraction problem that is shown. If your child is just learning how to add and subtract, put the rules aside and just slowly practice the facts. Once they have practiced, follow the rules for a fast and fun time! I tested this game on my 6 year old and my 12 year old…while we played differently for each child, both loved it! For more information, check out http://www.otb-games.com/7ate9/index.html