December is a month of celebrations and gift giving and just to help you along, we have researched and consulted parents and their dyslexic counterparts what their favorite game was for them or their family. There are huge choices here. Many build upon a dyslexic’s strengths such as strategy, patterning, building and imagination.
But while you are having fun with others, did you know you are actually doing something positive for your brain? Different areas of the brain are stimulated during board game play. Board games that involve strategy stimulate the frontal lobe of the brain. The frontal lobe helps the development of executive function skills such as planning, organizing, and decision-making.
The hippocampus is also stimulated while playing board games and when strengthened, it can lead to better memory and spatial navigation. Other areas of the brain that can be affected by playing board games are the nucleus accumbens. This is responsible for processing stimuli in relation to good or bad experiences. Board game play often leads to a decrease in gray matter in the amygdala, which in turn reduces stress and encourages overall feelings of calmness.
So take a look at some of the games we have played as well as some newer games on the market! Have fun while stimulating your brain!
Sharon Roberts, Davis Facilitator, Ontario https://dyslexia.ca/
Of course there are the usual familiar board games both regular and junior editions. These include Risk, Monopoly, Sequence, Clue and Guess Who. Risk and Monopoly can be on-going for a lengthy time but some of the games involve a bit of math, some strategy and luck and the whole family can participate !
Connect Four: The object of this game is to connect four of your checkers in a row while preventing your opponent from doing the same. But, look out – your opponent can sneak up on you and win the game!
Labyrinth Board Game for ages 7 and up is a game of strategy. Players move around the shifting paths of the labyrinth in a race to collect various treasures. Whoever collects all of his treasures first and returns to his home space wins! Labyrinth is simple at first glance and an excellent puzzle-solving game for children; it can also be played by adults using more strategy and more of a cutthroat approach.
Nowhere to Go: This involves 2 players and this strategy game has a spy theme on a unique hexagonal game board with spaces inter-connected by bridges. Each player places their spy piece on a starting space and players take turns placing blockers and moving their pieces across any bridges that are not blocked. The first player to trap the other spy with blockers wins.
Dix it: This is a lighthearted game of storytelling and guesswork where your imagination unlocks the tale! Each round, cards are revealed. Their connection: one enigmatic sentence. Be careful! Only one picture represents the correct answer, the others are decoys. To find the correct image, let your imagination be your guide.
Cinco Linko: Up to 4 people can play where each choose a single stack of brightly colored tiles, and you take turns to put down tiles to get a row of five, while blocking your opponents and they block you in turn. Recommendation 2-4 players ages 8 and up
Story Time Chess: 3 Levels are available that teach children (and adults like me) how to play chess. Chess has been shown to develop multiple cognitive and emotional skills that will benefit your child throughout their entire life. This game of chess comes alive, and the rules and strategy of the game are woven through fun and engaging stories. Children as young as 3 learn the moves, strategies, and language of chess in a fun and engaging way.
Mastermind Fort Making: Mastermind Toys has created several build your own fort types including a Rocket. These are ideal for the younger child to design a fort. The sets come with everything you need including 2 LED battery operated hanging lights. The options are limitless. Add a bedsheet, turn on the lights, and your child has created their own space adaptable pretty much anywhere!
Escape Room: Escape rooms are popular right now and now you can create your own at home. Designed for as young as 6 years of age, various types for families and age groups. For example, EXIT the game; Jungle of Riddles is a great introduction for kids to riddles and brainteasers. Working together or by themselves, children ages six and up can solve various riddles to open mysterious treasure chests.
Buildzi : Playing BUILDZI can help develop and reinforce many STEM skills. It involves using Problem Solving, Creativity, Communication, Inquiry, Engineering/Design Thinking, Critical Thinking and Collaboration skills to complete any of the building block games included with BUILDZI. It's perfect for early finishers and is a great team building game. One of the employees at Mastermind Toys (a professing dyslexic) said it was one of her favorite games!
Superhero Kit: This is perfect for the child who loves to dress up and perform. Perfect for pretend play, this starter kit includes an oh-so-shiny red cape along with masks and a belt to hide your child's secret identity. Power cuffs and punch-out decorations provide plenty of options for your one-of-a-kind super kid. There's more action-packed fun in the included idea book to help.
Find It: Each Contained Adventure® is filled with brightly colored plastic pellets with themed hidden objects. All games have the items listed on the cap and includes a tear-off pad to check off the items when found. Each game is individually packaged in an attractive, easy-to-gift-wrap box. There is one item that is challenging to find and if you are successful you can go on line and get a reward!
Rush Hour Game: It will take more than a little skilled driving to get the red car out of this traffic jam – it will take brainpower. In Rush Hour, a sliding block logic game, you have to battle the gridlock as you slide the blocking vehicles out of the way for the red car to exit. With 40 all-new challenges, ranging in difficulty, players can progress at their own speed.
Picture Charades: A CLASSIC GAME FOR YOUNG CHILDREN and no reading is required! Children will use their imagination and critical thinking skills to act out charades from four categories on the cards: Animals, People, Indoor and Outdoor Themes. Playing this game is a great way to encourage social development and children will also learn critical thinking skills to judge and interpret. Adults and older children can join the fun!
Pictionary: Great fun for picture thinkers as you interpret the meaning of a term or concept by drawing pictures!
Classic Twister challenges players to place their hands and feet on red, blue, yellow, and green dots on the plastic floor mat, without falling over. It’s a great game for children and adults. Just give the spinner a whirl, see where it lands and make the move!
Jenga Maker: TWIST ON CLASSIC JENGA: This twist on classic Jenga gameplay has players dividing into teams, with teams racing to instruct and create builds at the same time. There are 3 ways to play including using teams where one teammate draws a card and describes the setup to their teammate. No pointing, gesturing, or peeking allowed! This fun kids’ game features beginner and advanced builds.
Sharon Roberts, Davis Facilitator, Ontario https://dyslexia.ca/