Educational Games for Children: No Batteries Required!

Holiday shopping is underway! Visit any local toy store and become amazed at the technological advances made in toys for the preschool set! The electronic toys come with a hefty price tag, and many need batteries, which are usually not included!

Educational games can be purchased without paying a fortune. The games many adults remember from childhood are still around, and still quite effective at teaching children the basics: colors, counting, memorization and more. But more importantly, board games encourage parent-child bonding much more than independent electronic games. Consider the "No Batteries Required" educational games when holiday shopping.

1. Candy Land: The classic Candy Land is part of the "My First Games" collection from Milton Bradley that is suggested for ages three and up. The board game reinforces color recognition as well as teaching children the concept of taking turns.

2. Charades for Kids: The second edition by Pressman is recommended for children ages four and up. This version is excellent because it has a picture variation as well as an easy reading option. The game will "grow" with the child. Charades teaches children to take turns and allows them to practice gross motor skills while children also use logical thinking to guess the answer.

3. Memory: Another piece of the "My First Games" collection from Milton Bradley, Memory is recommended for ages three and up. The game can be played with one or more players and focuses on practicing concentration and memory skills. This game is now available in many character versions, so the gift can be even more exciting as a personal favorite theme is implemented. Popular examples include Dora and Thomas.

4. Dr. Seuss Cat In The Hat: A board game by University Press that is influenced by the familiar book, Cat In The Hat is recommended for children ages four and up. The game reinforces counting and color recognition with word and picture cards.

5. I Spy Seeing Doubles: This Scholastic game is suggested for children ages five and up. The fast-paced game focuses on improving the powers of observation, object recognition, attention to detail and hand-eye coordination as players have fun racing to the spot objects that match the cards.

6. Hi Ho Cherry O: This Milton Bradley classic focuses on counting and "grows" with the child to include lessons in adding and subtracting. The game is for 2-4 players and is recommended for children ages three and up.

While holiday shopping, remember children are impressed with toys that "do things," but they also appreciate simple times with parents and siblings. Board games like the above suggestions provide quality time with educational benefits-- and no batteries are required!