At this age, most children have improved reading skills which allow for new types of game play with more complex cards and rules. Even if reading is still a challenge, many games with a puzzle format don’t require reading but do challenge executive function skills. Cooperative games are of particular benefit as they develop critical social skills and empathy.
Fine motor skills – so many games and toys purport to build them, but do they?
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As a pediatric occupational therapist, fine motor and fun are my forte! 🙂 Let me help point you in the right direction as you look for the right game for your child, your classroom, or your clinic.
By age 10, children can handle and even crave more complexity in games. This expanded cognitive ability allows for varied and interesting game picks – even some that are popular with adults, like Stonemaier Game’s award-winning Wingspan.
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Here are five great picks for the blossoming gamer in your life!
Age: 10+
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Competitive / Semi-Cooperative
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Subjects: English / Language Arts
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Skills: Executive Functioning, Fine Motor, Social-Emotional, Visual-Spatial
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This word game challenges two teams to give single-word clues to help their teammates collect points – while avoiding the assassin!
Age: 7+
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Cooperative
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Subjects: Math & Science, Natural World
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Skills: Executive Functioning, Social-Emotional, Visual-Spatial
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In this cooperative strategy game, players have survived a plane crash and scavenged supplies from the wreckage. Now, they must work together to survive until they are rescued!
Age: 7+
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Competitive
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Subjects: Math & Science, Natural World
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Skills: Executive Functioning, Fine Motor, Sensory Integration, Social-Emotional, Visual-Spatial
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This surprisingly engaging French game is great for hooking children / clients / students who are motivated by visual input. Take turns laying tiles and matching colors and patterns.
I’m regularly adding more content, so check back or join my mailing list for updates. If there is a game that you think I should review, contact me with a suggestion.