The 2017 Smart Mom’s Toy Box
10 Classic Games from YOUR Childhood that Boost Brain Skills
If you’re like most of us, you feel torn between letting your child spend time on their technology and getting some free time of your own to get something done (even if that something is a nap).
But what if there was a compromise? What if you chose games and toys that are fun for your kids, but also boost cognitive skills, like memory, auditory & visual processing, attention, logic & reasoning, and processing speed? That’s exactly what you will find in our 2017 Smart Mom’s Toy Box …
LearningRx has put together a list of classic games that you’ll probably recognize from your own childhood—some with a modern spin. Chances are, you’ll bond with your child, have fun, and maybe boost some of YOUR brain skills in the process!
Simon
Try to repeat increasingly complex patterns with this fast-paced, handheld, electronic game.
Ages: 8+
Cognitive skills: auditory processing, visual processing, memory, attention, processing speed, executive processing, inductive reasoning, sustained attention
Rubik’s Cube
Challenge yourself to match up the colors on all six sides.
Ages: 8+
Cognitive skills: planning, visual processing, logic & reasoning, attention, working memory, problem solving
Chess
Use strategy to capture your opponent’s king before they get yours.
Ages: 6+
Cognitive skills: divided attention, executive processing, logic & reasoning, planning, problem solving, sequential processing, strategy
Battleship
Locate your enemy’s ships and destroy all five before they sink yours.
Ages: 7+
Cognitive skills: logic & reasoning, planning, problem solving, working memory
Stratego
Devise a plan to capture your opponent’s flag in this classic battlefield game of strategy.
Ages: 8+
Cognitive skills: logic & reasoning, planning, short-term memory, working memory
Uno
Get rid of all your cards first to earn points from other players.
Ages: 7+
Cognitive skills: logic & reasoning, short-term memory, sustained attention, visual processing, working memory
Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are relaxing, but they’re also working your brain skills!
Ages: 2+
Cognitive skills: deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, planning, problem solving, short-term memory, visual processing, working memory
Cribbage
Group and play cards in combinations to gain points.
Ages: 7+
Cognitive skills: divided attention, executive processing, logic & reasoning, mental math, numerical concept, problem solving
Connect 4
Be the first to get four discs in a row.
Ages: 6+
Cognitive skills: divided attention, executive processing, logic & reasoning, planning, problem solving, sequential processing, strategy
Scrabble
Earn points by making high-scoring words out of your letter tiles.
Ages: 8+
Cognitive skills: deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, long-term memory, problem solving, sequential processing, short-term memory, simultaneous processing, visual processing, word attack
Ready to head to the store (or online!) to do your holiday shopping? Take this list, or download a free Games for Skills Chart at: www.unlocktheeinsteininside.com.