Short Games for Busy Schedules
Working with children and searching for board games with a learning purpose, I have always found it particularly exciting to discover games that offer a lot in a short amount of time.
After all, children's attention spans often don't extend beyond 10, 20, or 30 minutes. Many times, we only have a short break between classes, during lessons, or in the afternoon. As parents, we are often too tired to learn and manage complex, long games.
That's why it's always good to have a few short gems up our sleeve.
Quick Word Games
Bananagrams
Bananagrams is a fast-paced, Scrabble-like word game where players race against each other to build a grid of words using their letter tiles, without the need for a board or a turn-based system.
Tools
The game includes 144 letter tiles, all stored in a unique banana-shaped pouch for easy transport and storage.
Skills Developed
Bananagrams enhances vocabulary, immediate word formation skills, anagram creation, linguistic creativity.
Boggle
Dice, letters, words. A great combination.
Tools
16 letter dice, a 4x4 grid tray with a lid, a sand timer, and a rulebook
Skills Developed
Spelling, word recognition, vocabulary expansion, quick thinking
Similo
Many themes, simple, clever, with minimal yet engaging text.
Tools
30 illustrated character cards and a rulebook
Skills Developed
Reading comprehension, inference skills, logical reasoning, associative thinking
We take turns guessing—one round for her, one for me—and we can easily fit two games into 15 minutes. It's a great way to tune into each other before bedtime. And it's even better to watch as she scans, reads, and compares the tiny bits of information on the cards.
Speedy Words
A fast-paced word game that challenges players to think quickly, recall vocabulary, and react faster than their opponentsâperfect for sharpening language skills in a fun way!
Tools
60 double-sided category cards and a rulebook.
Skills Developed
The game enhances vocabulary, quick word recall, categorization skills, and reading speed.
PlayWise Store
Print and play board games, downloadable coloring pages, educational materials
Werewords
A fast-paced word game where you either win with smart questions or deceive others with clever bluffing—but watch out, the werewolf is watching!
Tools
40 word cards, 22 role cards, 36 "Yes"/"No"/"Maybe" tokens, 1 mayor marker, and a rulebook
Skills Developed
Vocabulary, deductive reasoning, question formation, verbal communication, as players must ask strategic questions to guess the secret word while identifying hidden roles
Word Bits
Simple rules, simple ideas, true Knizia ease.
Tools
60 cards, 4 dice, 1 rulebook
Skills Developed
Vocabulary and quick thinking skills
Spread the Fun of Learning!
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