Hello Gardeners!
We are starting a new segment on the #PullYourWeeds blog called #SELatHome. This segment is aimed to help parents continue the social and emotional learning at home through activities and crafts, while also helping to encourage those important gardening conversations!
Playing a board game with you friends or family is such a fun way to spend an evening in. It gives everyone a chance to pull away from television, homework, iPads, work stress, and just be present and enjoy each other. But board games also are a great way to sneak in a little social and emotional learning at home.
Different games target different learning opportunities.
Jenga helps players work on impulse control and self-monitoring. Since the object of the game is to prevent the tower from toppling over, this helps both kids and adults work on awareness and carefulness of movements.
Rock Me Archimedes is a two player game that requires players to take risks and plan ahead. Many times children will be afraid to reach for something due to a fear of losing. By practicing this through games, kids can build a healthy relationship with winning and losing.
Bananagrams is not only a great game to help kids practice forming and spelling words, but it also is a great game to help kids settle down. Spelling requires focus - pull this game out when everyone needs to calm down a bit!
Operation is a classic! This game is a great way to help kids practice patience. Like Jenga, there is a certain amount of awareness one needs to be successful in this game. Also, Operation helps teach us to learn from our mistakes and continue to try new approaches!
If your family is more of a get-up-and-move type family or if you are hosting a big sleepover, scavenger hunts are the perfect activity! Whether you have you hunt inside or outside, they are a great way to get kids up and moving, communicating, and problem solving, while strengthening their observation skills!
Give it a try! Pick a night this week, pull out your favorite board game or try one of the games mentioned above, and have fun! What are your favorite board games? Let us know in the comments below 👇👇👇