Fun Search Games for Kids
Searching for things keeps kids entertained for hours. Some search games even help children practice reading or identifying shapes and letters.
Other People Are Reading
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Word Search
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For kids just learning to read, you can cut out, type or print a simple word and see how many times your child can find the word during a set time period. For example, make a card with the word "shop" on it before heading to the grocery store. Challenge your children to see how many times they can find the word before you reach the check-out counter.
People Search
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Name a person, for example Ben Franklin or Daddy, and encourage the kids to find pictures of that person. If the person is not someone the kids personally know, you will need to show them a picture and explain why this person is important. The kids can find pictures in your home, books, magazines or on TV.
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Item Search
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Before heading to the grocery store make a list of items such as butter, bread, or milk (for the non-reader cut pictures out of the weekly circulars) and have the child check off the item when she finds it in the store. This game can also be played in other locations by listing items appropriate for the location.
Search Using Clues
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Prop a tree branch in a vase, using marbles or stones to get the the branch to stand up. Tie small pieces of paper with clues written on them to the tree. For non-readers, use pictures. When the kids return with their items have a small gift waiting for them under the tree.
Alphabet/Shape Search
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Name a shape or letter of the alphabet. Encourage the kids to find items that start with that letter or have that shape. They can bring the items to you or merely point them out.
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