play board games

Playing games with your children is a good way to build language skills and interpersonal skills, while using thinking skills.  Here are a few I would recommend.

Checkers
This is a two player game, but children as young as five can learn to play.  There is a need to pay attention to the other person's moves and keep your checkers safe while capturing your opponents checkers.

Guess Who?
Also a two player game, this is a game of asking and answering yes/no questions.  It is recommended for ages six and up.  After repeated playing, there are some strategies that can be applied to increase your chances of winning.

Chess
This two player game is one that requires strategy, my nephews prefer it over checkers.  It is more difficult to learn than checkers cause each type of piece can move in a different manner.

Scrabble
A word game for two to four players. Players must make words with the letter tiles that they have to add on to the crossword puzzle on the board.  It says for ages 8 and up, those who struggle with spelling may find it too much of a challenge.  When my family plays, it takes about an hour from start to finish. 

Apples to Apples Jr.
This is my favorite of the games, but you need at least four players (it can be up to ten), and all players need some reading ability.  It is a good game for using and developing language. 

There are many other games that can promote learning.  Chutes and Ladders is good for counting.  Sorry is good for counting and strategy.  Monopoly and Life are games where you are continually counting money and making change.