Bananagrams is a fun, fast and portable game that appeals to wordsmiths and word strugglers alike. The genius of this game rests in its simplicity. To play you simply need a flat surface. A table, floor, or tray will do just fine. The entire game is kept in a banana shaped pouch with is easy to bring anywhere. The object of the game is to spell out words in a crossword style. The first person to use all his or her tiles is the winner. This game can be played in as few as five minutes. This is a great game to keep with you when you go anywhere there will be a wait like the doctor’s office or dentist office. The game is recommended for 7 and up. However, this is a wonderful tool to introduce to the 5 and 6 year old crowd to teach phonics, letter recognition and spelling. Even my daughter who dislikes spelling more than washing dishes loved this game.
Pairs in Pears is a game better suited for your 5 and 6 year. My older kids did not find it as fun or interesting as Banangrams and in the end played it as if it were Banangrams. The entire alphabet in 4 different patterns is where the game begins but where it ends is in laughter. This is a fun way for young kids to learn letter recognition, letter order, matching, memory, phonics and spelling. Like Bananagrams all you need is a flat surface to play. I also suggest you bring along your imagination as this game can be use for rummy or to make up your game. We have played it several different ways. This game has aided in making my little one more aware of letter recognition and phonics in a fun and relaxed setting.
Appletters is suggested for ages 5 and up. Think of dominos but with letters and you have this game down. The packaging is a bit smaller than Bananagrams so it may be easier for some tote around. As with the two previous games all you will need is a flat surface. This game is great for travel or for waiting rooms or restaurant waits. The simplicity of the game and the ease of play and logistics make this a must have and a perfect stocking stuffer. I was a bit skeptical that a game that consisted of nothing but letter tiles would have any interest. Yet, this game is not only interesting but a lot of fun. It is challenging when playing with proficient readers and spellers and educational with playing with children learning to read and spell.
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