Games that Have Worked for Us
Joshua and I both really enjoy playing games, so naturally, one of our favorite ways to connect with our foster kids has been to play games. However, we have had to be really intentional to pick games that don’t require a lot of language to play. Here have been some games that have worked with our foster children. They are in order from my least favorite to most favorite. I have also included links to Spanish Tutorials for each game.
1. Connect 4
Pros: I think every single child has already known how to play this one. It has also been helpful to have a two-player game when one of us is busy with something else.
Cons: I find that it gets boring (for me) quickly. I also feel like I have to throw the game sometimes so that I don’t win too often. They can beat sometimes, but I feel like I have a definite advantage.
2. Uno
Pro: Many of the kids already knew how to play this. It is possible for kids to win this without you having to throw the game because there’s a good deal of luck involved. You can play with 2, 3 or 4 people, so everyone in our household can play or you
Cons: It gets old after a while, but I would rather play Uno than Connect 4.
3. Jenga
Pros: Kids love it. I think most kids have already known how to play it. Again, any number of people can play it. The kids have also enjoyed using the blocks to build other things.
Cons: Don’t really have any. The blocks make a loud noise when they fall…but honestly, most kids have found that funny.
4. Taco, Gato, Cabra, Queso, Pizza (Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza)
Pros: There’s a Spanish version that has directions in both English and Spanish. It’s fast paced and fun. It plays up to 8 players.
Cons: Some of the younger kids that we’ve had, have found the game a bit confusing. It’s better for older kids. The box says 7+, but obviously that depends on the child.
The other drawback is that game can go on and on especially if you are all of similar skill levels.
5. Sushi Go
Pros: This is a game that I have played many times with other adults. It’s not just a children’s game. The artwork is so cute. There are several different types of cards if you have the party version, so the game is different each time.
Cons: We played this game A LOT during the snowpocalypse, so we both got a little tired of it. However, that’s not the game’s fault.
The only real problem is that it is a little complicated for younger kids, but we have been successful with kids 9 and up.
6. Spot It
Pros: Even the youngest kids can enjoy it and win. There are different ways to play, so it doesn’t get old. You can play with up to 8 players. It’s a good way to learn the names of random objects in Spanish. Overall, this one is my favorite.
Cons: If you don’t know all of the names of the items in Spanish, it is a little more challenging. However, you can always just point to the match and say este.
We definitely had some kids cheat on this game, so you have to keep an eye out for that.
Another game I have really enjoyed playing with kids is Battle Sheep. Yes you read that right, not Battle Ship, but Battle SHEEP. It's cute and easy to teach. It's an abstract strategy game for 2-4 players and it's very cutthroat and the game is over usually in 10 minutes and then you can play again. You alwso build a new map each time. And it's unique in that it works for kids and adults really well.