Playing is an important part of growing. Utilizing everyday games can help to teach children numerous different skills. For example: "Chutes and Ladders" can teach a child that when he or she does a positive behavior they get closer to winning. However, when they do something negative, a consequence is given (sliding back down).

Check out this puzzle maker site offered by Discovery Education! Have your child create a puzzle for you. Ask them to use words that describe you. Or just use some of the pre-made puzzles below!

http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/WordSearchSetupForm.asp

Practicing Skills Through Old Games

Pick-up-Stix-Attention to detail, patience, good sportsmanship, add some positive role modeling by saying " I know I can do it" to promote positive self-talk and boost self-esteem.

Jenga- Analytical skills, teamwork, and encouragement is modeled by positive statements. Try practicing time management by timing how long it takes a person to build the tower.

Simon says- Listening skills and following directions are easily practiced with this game. Leadership skills are rewarded in winning due to not following others that may be making a wrong move.

Memory and Card Concentration - Sportsmanship, memory , teams can be a great addition to this game too.

Chess, Checkers , Stratego, Guess Who, Battleship- All assist with practicing several skills such as planning, and strategizing.

Life, Mall Madness, Monopoly- All begin to teach about life budgeting. Ask questions as you play to search for why certain choices were made. Talk out loud about your positive choices. Make it a "teachable moment."

Our family friends chillin' in COVID. Send your picture to Kgilles@apsedu.org and share with us a story about your animal or just a name. It will posted. Enjoy!

May 25, 2020, a baby deer, at Aunt Dee's house, searching for it's mom. K. Gilles Maddy from Souderton PA submitted a pic of the neighborhood turtle. (Snappy)

(Left side) This is Emma., short for Esmirelda and (Right side) Nelly short for Cornelia. They are 2 years old. They came from North Carolina to the SPCA in Bucks County, PA. They were adopted together because they appeared bonded. Emma, is part Chihuahua and Poodle. She is very lovable, smart and a fast runner.. While Nelly is quite the baby. She is a Chihuahua and Pomeranian. She enjoys belly rubs, meeting new people and is also a fast runner. K.Gilles

3 little parakeets hatched during quarantine. One was kept and 2 found their forever homes. K. McGrath

A trip to the zoo to show my first granddaughter my favorite animals. D. Lausten