A how-to article that teaches parents how to make a card game that they can play with their children. The child can help by coloring the game pieces. This is a craft and game in one.

Are you a preschool teacher or parent of a young child who is looking for more fun ways to teach children about shapes. We have just the right educational game to help you achieve that goal. Below are detailed instructions that will guide you in making a fun game to play. This is a game and craft in one. Below is a list of items you will need to make the game, plus instructions on how to play. This game is great for the entire family and all ages from 3years and up can play. The game is called Big and Small Shapes. Children will be exposed to 6 different shapes and also learn the concept of bigger and smaller.

Number of players: 2

Items you’ll need.
* Pen or pencil
* Crayons
* 4 pieces of blank 8X10 paper (preferably cardstock paper)
* Scissors

Create Game Cards
Cut all 4 pieces of paper into 12 even squares. To do this, fold each piece of paper in half, length wise, then fold the halves in half and cut on the folded line creating 4 strips of paper. Then fold each strip in half and then fold the halves in half. Cut on the fold lines and this will create 12 even cards. Do this with all 4 pieces of paper.

Craft
Give each player a stack of 24 cards. Each player should use the crayons to color his cards. Discuss what each shape is on the card and which shapes are bigger and smaller. To make it more challenging you can have the players color the large shapes all one color and the small shapes another. This will help teach the concept of big and small. Make this a creative, fun craft.

Play Instructions: Give each player 24 cards. Shuffle the cards. Players should hold their cards in their hands. Oldest player says “Go” and both players turn over their top card, placing the cards shape-side-up, next to each other. The player who flipped over the card with the big shape on it gets to keep both cards. (Only if the other player’s card was a small shape) Then the oldest yells “Go” again and they continue to flip over the next card. If both cards played are big shapes, or both are small shapes then neither player gets to keep that pair, they should flip over another card until one player has a big shape card and the other has the small one. The player with the big shape card keeps that pair and the cards under them. Continue flipping cards until all cards have been played.

How to win: When all cards have been flipped then players should count the cards they got to keep. The player with the most cards is the winner.

Games can help bring teachers and students, or parents and children together while encouraging a fun learning environment. When children get to create their own game it gives them a sense of pride and they enjoy playing even more. This is a great way to spend time with your child and teach the lessons he/she needs to learn. We hope you enjoy this educational game.

If you don’t want to spend time making this game, but would rather print it and play, then you can find the printable copy at http://www.learnthroughgames.com