Many adults remember playing board games as children, especially favorites like Hi Ho! Cherry-O® and Chutes and Ladders® (also known as Snakes and Ladders). As people grow up, they often realize that these games have some lessons to teach. They can be great tools for teaching children counting and colors, as well as life lessons like taking turns, dealing with frustration, and being good sports.
Candy Land® is one of the all time favorite board games for small children. It's colorful, interesting and simple to play, and it's got candy — all elements that most small children will find delightful. Since very young children often don't know how to count, the pieces are moved by color, not by number. It's a great way to teach both skills, as an adult can ask the child to find the specific color on the board and count the spaces between colors.
Other simple board games that are perfect for small children include Trouble® and Sorry®. Trouble® is similar to Parcheesi®, but there are slots for the game pieces so they are easier to keep track of, and it has a "pop-o-matic" ball in the center that you press to roll the dice, instead of shaking dice in small cups.
The Game of Life® is one of those games that teaches lessons, and while the traditional game may be rather tough for little children, there are special versions for younger players. There are many games created especially for small children, and some of the higher age level games have been adapted for little ones, like Clue Junior® and Monopoly Junior®. You can also find versions that include your children's favorite cartoon characters.
The game Operation® is fun for all ages. Your kids will love operating on their patients and will laugh together as each player sets off the buzzer.
There are many different types of board games available for all age levels, and game makers have begun catering to younger players. This is great for small children since playing games teaches them so much, including ways to interact with others appropriately. There are a huge assortment of fun games that the whole family can enjoy.