Mad Libs are a party game, a family dinner-time activity and an icebreaker game for clubs and organizations. Children playing Mad Libs should be able to read and be familiar with the parts of speech, but younger children can do them with a bit of coaching from a parent.
Be prepared for any Mad Libs occasion by stocking several Mad Libs books. But, don’t let not having an official Mad Libs book stop the family from enjoying an evening of fun. Find games similar to Mad Libs, called fill-them-in tales, on-line or make a homemade version and get ready to laugh.
Find Mad Libs at Book Stores
The Original #1 Mad Libs are published by Price Stern Sloan and have been available for decades. Parents and teachers can keep several Mad Libs books on hand to use when a quick, exciting activity is needed. Often, Scholastic book orders, which are available through schools, will sell sets of Mad Libs books. This is a good time to purchase a bunch at a reasonable price. Mad Libs can also be found at book fairs and at book stores. They can be ordered on-line through major books stores like Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Search the Internet for Mad Libs or Fill-Them-In-Tales
Sometimes a quick activity for children is needed and the adult in charge doesn’t have access to a Mad Libs book. A quick internet search for the words “Mad Libs” will turn up several knock-off forms. It’s possible to find specific forms made for certain groups, like Cub Scouts. Some can be completed on-line and can be printed.
The Family Fun magazine has a website full of printable activities for kids. They include several Mad Libs-type stories called fill-them-in tales. Look for specific holiday themed fill-them-in tales, fairy tale themes and event themes.
Homemade Mad Libs or Fill-Them-In Tales
To add another element of challenge to a Mad Libs activity, enlist the children to make their own Mad Libs. Have a child or group of children write a paragraph. Then, rewrite the paragraph, leaving out a word or two per sentence. Draw a line and label the line with the type of word that belongs in that spot. Once the story is complete, the children can play the Mad Libs word game with their own creation.
Teachers or parents can also start creating a Mad Lib with a paragraph from a favorite children’s book. Use a book that is popular with the children that are participating. Copy the paragraph and leave out a word or two per sentence. Add the lines and labels and get ready for some Mad Libs fun.
Mad Libs are a fun party game for children who are old enough to read and write. Find Mad Libs at book stores. Look for Mad Libs on-line at websites that share children’s activities. Or, involve the children in making homemade Mad Libs for an extra challenge.
 |
