Why this activity? At every event this game is always a huge hit. Why??? Well, there must be a reason that this game has existed since 1974 and children of all ages absolutely love playing Connect Four! It’s a great game that captures children’s attention allowing them to use their thinking skills without being aware of it!
Skills children can learn through this game: Children develop their problem solving skills and patience by playing Connect Four as they each take turns placing their coloured disc through the 7 column grid. Their cognitive abilities and mathematical skills are challenged as players have to predict what their opponent will do and where they will place their disc. Each player is engaged in strategic planning as they decide their next move. The winner will have comprised a group of the same 4 coloured discs in a row.
For children ages 2 ½ and older, this game allows them to use their fine motor and coordination skills, as they grab a disc or two and try placing it in an open slot. Cause and effect is another component that children can learn at the end of the game. This is also one of the most exciting parts of playing. One person has to pull the bottom bar underneath the gird and release all of the discs. As a result, the discs will fall all over the place and make a loud banging sound that children find so much fun!
Ways to modify the game for children: 1. Make the game into a race and whoever places of all of their coloured discs into the slot first wins. 2. Have free play! Allow children to play alone and experiment with patterns and design. For example, red red black, black red black or red black red black...what comes next? 3. Transform the coloured discs into mathematical counters as they help children learn their numbers!
Where can you buy this activity? Wal-Mart, Zellers, Toys R Us, the Bay, Sears and several other retail stores that sell children game products.
Suitable ages: Although the Connect Four box advises parents with children ages 4+ to play the game, children ages 2 ½+ could play a modified version of this game with parental supervision of course!
Skills children can learn through this game: Children develop their problem solving skills and patience by playing Connect Four as they each take turns placing their coloured disc through the 7 column grid. Their cognitive abilities and mathematical skills are challenged as players have to predict what their opponent will do and where they will place their disc. Each player is engaged in strategic planning as they decide their next move. The winner will have comprised a group of the same 4 coloured discs in a row.
For children ages 2 ½ and older, this game allows them to use their fine motor and coordination skills, as they grab a disc or two and try placing it in an open slot. Cause and effect is another component that children can learn at the end of the game. This is also one of the most exciting parts of playing. One person has to pull the bottom bar underneath the gird and release all of the discs. As a result, the discs will fall all over the place and make a loud banging sound that children find so much fun!
Ways to modify the game for children: 1. Make the game into a race and whoever places of all of their coloured discs into the slot first wins. 2. Have free play! Allow children to play alone and experiment with patterns and design. For example, red red black, black red black or red black red black...what comes next? 3. Transform the coloured discs into mathematical counters as they help children learn their numbers!
Where can you buy this activity? Wal-Mart, Zellers, Toys R Us, the Bay, Sears and several other retail stores that sell children game products.
Suitable ages: Although the Connect Four box advises parents with children ages 4+ to play the game, children ages 2 ½+ could play a modified version of this game with parental supervision of course!
***Please note: Younger children will need adult assistance and supervision during this activity as small objects (discs) are included and may be a choking hazard! ***
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