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Families That Play Together Stay Together
(And Learn, Too!)
By Kendeyl Johansen
| This year, iParenting kid-tested two games for preschoolers: Maisy Floor Puzzle and Kids on Stage. Our hard-working "expert panel" consisted of Ryann, 5, Max, 4, and Christian, 3. Colorforms Maisy Floor Puzzle The kids loved putting together this easy puzzle, which featured large pieces and the bright colors of Maisy's house. The oversized puzzle pieces were easy for little fingers to fit together. Also, the eye-catching puzzle pieces (with fanciful details like orange and yellow striped fish wallpaper) were inviting to match. After the kids completed the puzzle, they enjoyed "playing house" by sticking Colorforms, like milk and cheese, onto the puzzle's open refrigerator or placing the Colorforms Maisy in her art room. The kids liked to move the Colorforms around to different rooms in the house. Thumbs up from all three kids. Kids on Stage Reading isn't required for this charades game featuring cards with pictures. The kids on our panel hadn't played charades before, but they caught on fast. Ryann giggled as she bounced on the floor like a frog and Max loved mimicking a spider. All of the kids were delighted when we guessed their charade. The age range for Kids on Stage is 3 to 8 and some of the "object" cards, like backpack, were difficult for the kids on our panel to act out, but they responded well when choosing an "animal" card, like frog, or an activity card, like fishing. Each child liked being "on stage." The 3-year-old played better when put on a team with an older child. Thumbs up from Max (4) and Ryann (5). |
