TopicTalk® Conversation Card Game

In this card game, players try to get rid of their cards as they take turns asking and answering questions or making comments on a given topic. Designed for ages six and up, the game can also be used with language impaired adults who may need practice in carrying on a conversation. It provides an excellent means of promoting peer group discussions. View and order online at www.superduperinc.com.

The following are examples of games and activities that can be found in Talk Me Into It:  Preparing Children for School Success Through Language, available online at www.xlibris.com. The book provides Top Ten lists of games and activities, as well as Books to Buy or Borrow for each of six different age levels.

Hide-and-Tell

This game is like show and tell, except that the object is hidden. Players take turns selecting an object and placing it in a bag. They then give clues to the other player(s), who can ask questions and then guess what is in the bag. Ideal for developing attribute terms and for helping children learn to provide explicit descriptions. Adults may prompt the child to give clues that include the object’s function, where it is typically found, who usually uses it, its shape, its size, and other features. Great for ages four to five.

The Name Game

Players pick a category, such as animals or sports, and take turns coming up with an item that fits in that category. Play continues until no one can think of another item. This game is great in the car, or it can be paired with a simple turn-taking game, such as Don’t Spill the Beans or Don’t Break the Ice. Ideal for helping children with semantic development and vocabulary acquisition. For easier play, spread out picture cards from various categories on a table and take turns locating and naming cards in a particular category. Great for ages four to five.

What Did You Say? A Barrier Game

In this game, two players sit on opposite sides of a barrier, such as a large game board turned on its side. Each player is given an identical set of blocks or Colorform shapes. One player is the speaker, the other the listener. The speaker directs the listener to complete the same design she is creating, one step at a time. The goal is to have identical designs when completed. This game helps children learn to take the listener into account when speaking, and to become more explicit when giving instructions, as well as improve their listening skills. Great for ages four to five.