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(More customer reviews)A Review of the Board Game, "Blunders" by Games for Educators in April, 2009
There are many things that make "Blunders," an engaging game for children.
It's funny the details that we remember from events in our lives. Rarely do we remember every single happening but instead, we may bring along snippets from the various scenes we experience. One such snippet for me was a mere portion of the advice I received while taking a class on Children's Literature. That piece, given to the future children's book writers, was to avoid being preachy. Such topics are no fun for children, we were told.
Playing games follows a similar suit. When consumers choose games to purchase it is important to remember that even though they may want the game to teach them something, they also want to have fun.. Why else choose that game to play in your leisure time?
Now, as a teacher, I look for games that pack in quite a punch. I want educational, engaging, interesting, and fun. I want games that I can modify and with multiple uses. I want games that we can play for fun during recess or play in a specific class setting or for a particular purpose. No one is motivated to participate otherwise.
"Blunders" is a board game for children ages 5 to 10, which I feel fulfills my lofty requirements. The point of the game is to teach manners, but play does not revolve around any punitive actions. Play is consumed by moving along a visually appealing board, landing on either a purple, orange, or green space, and addressing a corresponding situation involving etiquette. There are 4 types of questions: Multiple Choice, Charades, True/False, and Scenarios. Topics include, but are not limited to, telephone etiquette, respecting adults, gossiping, bullying, proper table manners, and personal responsibility.
Play is easily managed by rolling a die and simply moving along the board. Young players may need assistance reading the cards, but the game can be played in teams.
The game has a personal touch in that each named has a distinct personality, completely described in the direction booklet. Brenda, for instance, possesses quite an active imagination and keen artistic talent, but lacks in polite greeting skills and gossips too much. Therefore, children may choose a character to which he/she relates.
Here are the many advantages to this board game:
1.It is fun to play.
2.It teaches a life skill.
3.Children are drawn to the personalities of the players and the situation cards.
4.It is easy enough to catch on to the strategy of play, but presents situations that require children to use thinking skills requiring the use of judgement.
5.The game can be played without adult supervision, yet a teacher can easily adapt it for use in the classroom. The charade cards present excellent opportunities to discuss etiquette in a fun manner.
6.It is visually appealing.
7.The game has a website,[...]. Teachers can use this website for writing extension activities, because it contains a link where players can submit their own "Manners Moments" or "blunderblogs" to share with others. Teachers can also download and print free educational materials.
I highly recommend "Blunders" for use at home and at school!
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Grades K & up. Teach social graces with this exciting board game! Children will learn proper etiquette as they help Bobby, Brenda, Billy, and Becky Blunder navigate different social situations. Two or more players.
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