Teach kids some simple paper and pencil games to keep them busy in the car this summer. Dots and squares and word squares are fun activities for kids to play.. With the kids entertaining themselves, the car ride will be less stressful for all family members. Stash paper and pencils in the car so kids always have the supplies ready for any car ride.
Word Squares
Objective: To score the most points by creating words horizontally and vertically.
Materials: paper and pencil
Players: 2 or more
Set Up: Create a 5x5 grid. A total of 25 squares will be in the grid.
Instructions:
- First player is to call out a letter. All players place the letter in one of the 25 squares.
- Next player calls out a letter. All players place the letter in one of the 24 squares.
- Players keep taking turns calling out letters until all letters are called out and all squares are filled.
- Players are to write out the words they have created horizontally and vertically.
- Points are awarded for completed words. No points awarded for proper names, acronyms, or abbreviations.
- Winner is the one with the most points.
Scoring:
- 2 letter words: 1 point
- 3 letter words: 3 points
- 4 letter words: 5 points
- 5 letter words: 10 points
Strategy
- Players need to strategically place their letters to try and make as many words as they can.
- Players must try and anticipate how a combination of letters can create one word.
- Players before the start of the game may decide on the number of vowels to be called.
Word Squares is a wonderful game to improve on spelling skills and to keep kids minds active.
Dots and Boxes
Objective: To make the most boxes.
Materials: grid paper and pencil
Players: 2
Instructions:
- First player connect 2 dots on the grid paper. Dots are connected horizontally or vertically.
- Second player connects 2 dots on the grid player.
- Players continue to connect 2 dots trying to make a boxes.
- Once a player completes a square., the player marks it with a letter. Player takes another turn.
- Players continue to play until no more dots can be connected.
- Winner is the player who created the most squares.
Dots and Squares is a fun game for kids as they must think strategically on where to connect two dots. This game can played on a variety sizes of paper. Best to use small grid paper for the beginner and larger grid paper for the more experienced players. Large grid paper is ideal for the extra long car rides.
Kids will be entertained with word squares and dots and boxes during the family's summer car travel. if kids are busy with fun car games, they will be less stress and road trips will be more enjoyable.
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