Appropriate age group(s) or grade(s):
3-13

Estimated time to complete activity (if applicable):
5-10 minutes

Materials needed (if applicable):
None

Instructions or description of technique:
Play word or action games at the dinner table.

When they are very young, play "Things That Go!" Each person takes a turn acting and sounding out something that goes, such as a race car, an airplane, etc., while the others try to guess what it is.

Later, add "I went to London and in my bag I packed...", a game where each person in turns states what was packed already (uses memory) and adds his or her own item. The more outrageous the item, the more fun it is.

Even later, add such games as "20 Questions" where one person thinks of an item, and the others try to guess by asking questions that can only be answered yes or no. Don't feel the need to limit it to 20 questions - it's more fun for kids if they can keep asking until they guess the item. This game teaches logic.

Make up your own games that allow each child to shine at something; never make them so hard that they can't get it right!

One benefit of these games - dinner time is fun and social!