UNO!

One word: Uno!  I just happened to think of this card game the other day.  I hadn't played it in years, but we did when we were young, so I headed off to the store and bought us a deck (I think it was $4 at The Christmas Shop).  The kids were excited to see a new game that night and wanted to play right away.  The directions say the game is for kids 7 years and up but that just isn't true.  Granted, Cole was to young at three years old and lost interest quickly, but Lillian was really into the game and caught on quickly.  Needless to say the first few times we play we're going to have to help her learn how to play and the rules, but it isn't going to be long until she is teaching her friends how to play.  Unfortunately it was to late, but she wanted to play again that night and again the next day, so I know we're on to something good here.  We did find out they've added some new cards to the deck (skipping cards, and reverse cards for instance) since we played years ago, so be sure and review the directions before hand.  This game is perfect though for teaching colors, numbers, turn taking, and, of course, good sportsmanship!  We shook daddy's hand at the end of the game and congratulated him on his victory.  We'll get him next time!

Happy Valentine's Day Activity

This activity can be used with both my kids with some adaptions, so just make changes based upon your child's age.  For Cole, who is two, we talk about the colors of the conversation hearts and the colors of the bowls, the shapes, and work on counting out the little numbers (for example 1-3).  He enjoys doing the game with Lillian who is 4 even though they aren't doing the same activity.  Lillian plays the game multiple ways depending on her mood (game always sounds like more fun I think!).  Some days she just chooses a card (one of my previous post tells how to make them) and puts that many conversation hearts in the bowl.  Other days she'll put the number cards in ascending order by their value.  Today she was going to "guess" how many hearts were in the bowl.  Of course I jumped at the chance to remind her that she could also use the word "estimate", which she did then.  Another day you may want to play the game and change it a little; don't even use the bowls or cards, but count the hearts by two's to see how many you have in your hand.  Watch your child for cues and see how THEY want to play today.  They'll have more fun and will likely play longer than if we tell them how they are going to do it!