A Sentiment

God knew what He was doing when He sent a gentle breeze and brought a lovely butterfly to set my heart at ease. The happiness of your friendship and the gentleness of your words have touched my life in special ways and now I feel assured. Thank you for your loyalty and for reading everyday. I only hope you find things to make a happy day.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Teach Your Children Well.....Board Games

This is not the game we have. Ours is very old and the box is falling apart. I was going to replace it, but my daughter said, "Mom it won't be the same with a new game." So, no deluxe version...no turntable..just the old familiar game that we've had forever.
I started reading to my kids from birth...I think. My little ones would follow Mom into the library and sit on the little chairs and read stories. We would take books home and read before naps and in the evening. They were early "talkers" and did very well in school. Another past time we had were board games. I think that most kids want to be with you with no goal in mind beyond the joy of spending time together. They want you to take pleasure in them, play with them, and listen to them. Nothing bolsters their self-esteem more! Playing games is an easy and excellent way to spend unhurried, enjoyable time together. As an added bonus, board games are also rich in learning opportunities. They satisfy your child's competitive urges....and sometimes Mom's.

We started out with Candyland, Pig in the Garden, Shoots and Ladders and went on to Monopoly, Yahtzee, Checkers, Trivial Pursuit, Pictionary and the best is last....Scrabble. This is the best game for teaching the English language. We had the early game...nothing fancy, no Junior version in our house. They learned to play with Mom. It is still my favorite game.

My daughter and I play "online" Scrabble. She lives in DC and I'm in Illinois. It is another way we can keep connected. We played the board game on each visit, but now we play online.We each play a word a day. There is a little comment box that pops up at the end of the play...we put a little comment in..it can be about the game or weather or just anything going on in our lives. It is really something to look forward to each day...I run in and check the computer, telling my husband, "I want to see if she put a word up." If she's traveling and can't play for a time... there's an empty spot in my day. We've played many, many games and we are getting better and better at it. We are ruthless...putting in words that we have never used before. Our current game started during Earth Week. She suggested that all of our words have to do with the earth. If you don't think this is difficult... just try it. The game gives you 7 tiles to make up words with. Try making something out of 5 consonants that has to do with the earth. The game is going well...I am winning, so far. I used to win so much of the time, but now I have created a real competitor...it's reversed and she now wins most of the time. This is a great game for older people...keeps your mind active.Maybe she's just helping her old Mom's brain. When we end a phone conversation we say, "See you in Scrabble." I'm finished with this post now...gotta go to see if she put a word up.
Balisha


16 comments:

Laura said...

When I go visit my Grandma we play a game called 'Kismet'. It's just like Yahtzee except the dots on the dice are different colors (1 and 6 are black, 3 and 4 are green, and 2 and 5 are red); so you can have two pair same color, flush and full house same color. We also play Rummy.

My sons like to play Battleship, Clue, and Life.

Lynn said...

I am setting in 6th grade English class right now, they are taking a test.... We have been working on vivid language. It is so funny how quickly how fast you forget. So I am really trying to be better at writting my blog using vivid language.... Every little bit helps. I love this class and the teacher...

Missy said...

That sounds like a great idea to help keep in touch. I would love to do the same thing. Can you tell me what website you go to in order to play that scrabble game? I would love to know.. thanks so much and have fun blogging!

Balisha said...

Hello "I think I will call you Butterfly"
Thanks for reading and leaving your comment The scrabble website is http://www.emailscrabble.net/
It's easy to set up...you'll really enjoy it.

Balisha said...

Hi Laura,
My kids loved Battleship too. I remember playing Rummy with my Grandma...she was so religious and didn't believe in playing cards until we talked her into Rummy.She played that game for years after.

Balisha said...

Hi Lynn,
I wish we had learned more about writing, when I was in school. I just checked vivid language on the internet.I'm going to read more about it.
In describing our gardens we really do use a lot of "vivid language" We paint a picture with words. Is that what you mean?

Anonymous said...

We always played board games with our boys as they were growing up too. They are young men now & still enjoy challenging Mom to a game or two. :)

Britt-Arnhild said...

We aways play boardgames with the children when we are at the cabin. This coming week-end my husband and I will go there alone, and then there will probably be no games......

Balisha said...

Hi Britt..
Are board games in your country the same as ours? What is Marta's favorite?

Hi Racquel,
We play pictionary, when the kids come over. It is a game where you have to draw pictures. They like to play with me, because my pictures are in detail and I take so long to draw that they win. They love to beat me.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Balisha..I am smiling from ear to ear because I did the same exact thing with my children. I began reading from them almost immediately..and because of that..they all love to read. I think every single one of them always has a book going. I sometimes have two!
Scrabble. I play it on the computer every night almost. I play Mavin..the Wizard because I don't know anyone to play with on line..but she gives me a pretty good run for my money! I love that game! My husband walks in, looks and says, "there is NO such word as that!" I just smile and say.."Oh yes there is!" Fun!
We always played with the kids.
I remember once the television broke down and my husband wouldn't have it fixed. We ALL learned to play Chess!! It was a great time!
It made wonderful memories..
I am off to bed in a few...
~smiles and hugs~
Mona

Hilary said...

Love your gardens.......my kids and I play scrabble online together too.....lexulous.com
Like your blog, keep it up!!!!!

Balisha said...

Hello Hilary,
Thanks for reading..I just visited your blog and I can't wait to get back. Your life is so interesting. I love to hear how other artists live. I will be sure to come back and read more.

Balisha said...

Hey Mona...I think we are sisters!

Gram said...

I love Scrabble! I still have the game my parents gave me for Christmas when I was 8 (later I figured out it was their sneaky way to get me to learn to spell). We also have the new game pictured on your blog. My husband wanted it so he didn't have to look at the board upside down. I would still rather play the old board in the box that has been taped and has the hole in the lid. I grew up playing many board games and we still play games when the children come and with our friends. It is one of my favorite activities.

Lynn said...

That is exactly what I mean, I have been trying to use the thesaurus (http://freethesaurus.net/) more often. Typing in words I use all the time and find another word instead. It has been fun to be in
6th grade English again... This old bird is learning again!!! LOL

Balisha said...

Lynn..OLD BIRD?? You are a young chick LOL...I would love to go back to 6th grade and be able to learn with those kids.