I had a pretty hard time figuring out what I was going to write about and keep it games oriented. Then I remembered this game that came out when I was in high school.
Pretty, pretty princess lets you collect pieces of jewelry. I think the winner is determined by who gets the last piece of jewelry first.
Okay, that wasn’t such a great post.
Hmm…. Oh! I know!
You can use the jewelry design process with younger children (use pony beads if you do this) to help teach and reinforce counting and pattern skills!
- Set up a pattern of beads and have your little designer copy it.
- Give your little designer a “pattern” by telling them how many of each color and shape of bead they need. Then let them develop their creativity by exploring how to order their beads.
- Ask them to make a piece of jewelry of a certain length, and make sure to have a ruler handy.
- Let them set up a stand to sell their jewelry. They can practice counting money.
- Go the library and find books on the jewelry of different cultures (your local children’s librarian will be able to help). Read some stories from the selected culture with your little designer and then let them design a jewelry piece that fits in with the culture.
Many of these really are more educational than obvious games, but at the younger ages, playing is learning, and if you create the right situation, it can be a game for the older ones, too!
