Dice games are fun! They are also one of the oldest of all kinds of games: there are records
of dice being played over 5,000 years ago! Dice have been found in
Egyptian tombs and were very popular in Roman times.
Dice games are versatile. They can be based on luck, or on skill
and planning. You can find games to play with two players or twenty, on
a table or on the floor, with 3-year olds and with 70-year olds!
Dice games are educational. They are educational in obvious ways,
for example encouraging counting and numbers in little children and
quick mental addition in older children. But they are also excellent at
reinforcing the concept of taking turns, scoring (both mental and on
paper), winning and losing gracefully, patience and so much more. By the
time your child reaches 7 or so they may even be able to resist hurling
the dice onto the floor or all over the table on each and every go
(although it is at this point that the temptation to try and manipulate
the dice also begins to show itself!) Most of the dice games featured at
Activity Village here below depend mainly on luck, although some of the
later games begin to introduce strategic thinking and planning.
Dice games are portable. You can always find room for a few dice
in the bottom of a handbag or pocket, and most games require no more
than a paper and pencil to go with them. Or you can “pre-package” some
of your favourite games with a stack of print- outs, small pencils, dice
and any other necessary equipment in a resealable plastic bag or box and include it
easily in an overnight case for travelling.
Dice games are satisfying. There are so many different kinds of
dice to choose from now readily available in the shops or by mail order.
Most children love the look and feel of dice and are happy to build up a
collection - and are likely to choose a few particular dice to be their
favourites, too.
Dice are cheap. You probably have a number of interesting dice
lurking in existing family games, and you can certainly pick up more
very cheaply these days through stationers, discount stores, gaming
shops, educational catalogues or garage sales. We have been known to buy
an old board game for cents from a garage sale just to acquire its dice.
Dice are collectible. Build up your store and keep them in their
own box with a stack of counters and favorite playing pieces (unusual
beads, plastic figures and animals, etc) and perhaps a shaker or two.
Encourage the children to get them out and make up their own games with
them ... .anything goes!
Balloons There are a number of ways to play this game. Print out a stack of
“Balloons!” printable sheets (you can use the economy setting on your
printer) and choose the most appropriate variation for your child.
Beat That!
This is an easy game to learn, but one which is very popular with kids
(and not too bad at keeping the odd grown up amused, too!). Great for
learning the concept of place value.
Catch Up
This is a great game for groups of children and works with mixed ages
well. It is loud and it is frantic! You will need at least 4 children
and up to 8 (any more than that and you should split them into two
groups).
Crazy Faces
This game is great for teaching little kids their colours - and it is
fun too!
Farmyard
This game helps children practise their counting, counting on and number
visualization skills. It can be played as a file folder game with our
printables, or, by using plastic farm animals, becomes a more "hands-on"
counting game.
Going To Boston
A simple game, quick and easy to learn, which gives children plenty of
practise at addition (or multiplication)
Mountain
Mountain is a well-known game which is called by many names. Its
simplicity makes it ideal for younger players, but with its variations
it is popular with all ages.
Mouse!
This game may be familiar already - it is certainly an old favorite from
my childhood. It can be enjoyed by any number and age of child and needs
nothing but a scrap of paper, a pencil and a die.
Number Chicks
Similar to Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Number Chicks concentrates on number
recognition (rather than counting dots) and includes a fast and fun
variation for older kids. There are three variations of the game,
including a fast-paced action game for older children.
Run For It!
A simple game of sequences (runs) which has the added bonus of helping
kids learn the 5 times table!
Stuck In The Mud
This is one of our favorite family dice games. Children love the
surprises that the game produces, with some turns ending abruptly and
some going on for ever and ever...
Teddy Bear,
Teddy Bear
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear is an ideal introduction to dice games for very
young children. They can learn to count the dots on the die and begin to
recognise the patterns on the die by looking for the matching pattern on
the teddies. It can be played as either a pencil and paper game or a
board game.
Ten Down
It’s possible to make a game out of basic maths drills, and this game
does just that! As you are making your own dice (see
Dice Game Tips and Tricks)
you can tailor this game precisely to the age and level of your child.
Three Or More
This game is simple, fun and popular. It also introduces a number of the
concepts of more advanced dice games.
What's Your Number?
What’s Your Number? can be enjoyed by all ages of children - and any
number up to 6. It is an exciting and popular race game and is sure to
become one of your favorites!
Japanese otedama These fabric beanbags used to be sewn by grandmothers from silk kimono
scraps, and are used for juggling games and skill games similar to jacks
and knucklebones. An easy sewing project which makes a lovely game or
gift idea.
If your children like making up their own games, you might find
our new printable "money", counters, tickets etc useful. Printable game supplies
Counting Jars Game
Children can make this game for a younger sibling, to help them learn to count -
they'll have fun assembling the containers and objects.
Call My Bluff
This is a fun word game (made famous by the TV show) which can
help children to learn new words, practise dictionary work and presentation
skills! It works best in a classroom or large group setting, and you will need
time to prepare.
Make A Name Book
More of a craft activity than a game, this is a great way for kids to get to
know each other at the beginning of the school year.
Matching Game cards can be used to play Memory
(Concentration), Go Fish and many other card games, as well as played with
our sorting mats by one child on their own. Printable Games
