2.3. Review a selection of appropriate table-top games for children

This guide will help you answer 2.3. Review a selection of appropriate table-top games for children.

This guide looks at a range of table-top games suitable for children. Table-top games are those played on a table or flat surface, often involving small parts, cards, boards or counters. They can be structured or free-play based. They can promote learning, cooperation and problem-solving in a fun way.

A good review of these games means looking at their age suitability, benefits for child development, group size, safety checks and how they fit into a playwork or early years setting.

What are Table-top Games?

Table-top games offer a mix of education and play. They can help children practise turn-taking, patience and thinking ahead. They can suit small group play, which can build social skills in a contained and supportive environment.

Often these games can link to learning without feeling like formal teaching. For example, number-based games support counting skills, matching games support memory and attention, and story-based games encourage imagination and language.

Considerations When Choosing Table-top Games

When picking games for review, think about several key factors. These make sure the game fits the needs of a child or group.

Key points include:

• Age range recommended by the manufacturer
• Complexity of rules
• Time required to play
• Level of adult supervision needed
• Safety and durability of materials
• Opportunities for inclusion of all children in the group
• Link to developmental goals such as literacy, numeracy, motor skills or emotional skills

Example 1: Snakes and Ladders

Snakes and Ladders is a classic board game with a numbered grid and player counters. Players roll dice and move along the numbered squares. Landing on a snake sends them backwards, and ladders move them forwards.

Benefits for children:

• Simple rules make it suitable for children from around 4 years old
• Supports number recognition and counting skills
• Helps children practise taking turns
• Introduces concepts of winning and losing in a safe, supported way

Points to check:

• Ensure dice are large enough and safe for little hands
• Counters should be chunky to prevent choking risks for younger children
• The board should have clear, bright print that is easy to see

Example 2: Connect Four

Connect Four is a vertical frame game where players drop coloured disks into slots, aiming to make a line of four disks of their colour.

Benefits for children:

• Suitable for children from around 6 years old
• Encourages forward planning and strategy thinking
• Helps develop hand-eye coordination
• Quick rounds make it good for short play sessions

Points to check:

• Make sure the frame is sturdy and parts are big enough for safety
• Check all pieces regularly to avoid breakages
• Colour contrast helps children with visual impairments

Example 3: Jenga

Jenga is a stacking block game where players remove blocks from a tower and place them on top without making the tower fall.

Benefits for children:

• Suitable for mixed age groups from about 6 years
• Builds fine motor skills and concentration
• Improves patience and turn-taking
• Offers lots of excitement and laughter

Points to check:

• Make sure blocks are smooth with no splinters
• Game should be played on a flat solid surface
• Oversized versions are helpful for younger children

Example 4: Snap

Snap is a card game where players turn over cards and call “Snap” when two cards of the same value appear in a row.

Benefits for children:

• Suitable for children from 4 years old onwards
• Encourages observation and quick reactions
• Supports matching skills and simple memory
• Portable and can be played almost anywhere

Points to check:

• Cards should be durable and laminated if possible
• Use larger cards for younger children
• Consider themed versions that link to classroom topics

Example 5: Dominoes

Dominoes are small rectangular tiles with dots representing numbers. Players match tiles end to end with the same number of dots.

Benefits for children:

• Teaches counting and number recognition
• Simple rules and many variations
• Can suit from 5 years and up depending on set size
• Encourages logical thinking

Points to check:

• Oversized or foam dominoes make the game practical for younger players
• Store pieces carefully to avoid loss
• Visual clarity on dots helps all children

Example 6: Guess Who

Guess Who is a two-player game where each player has a board of characters. Through yes/no questions, children try to guess the opponent’s chosen character.

Benefits for children:

• Encourages questioning and language skills
• Teaches deductive reasoning
• Promotes social interaction
• Suitable from about 6 years

Points to check:

• Match character choices to the group’s cultural diversity
• Check moving parts on game boards regularly
• Provide clear pictorial cards for replacement if lost

Group Play Considerations

Some table-top games are best for two players, others for larger groups. Group games can help more children to feel included. Adapt rules if needed to fit more children into the play.

Points to remember:

• Rotate players with shorter games
• Use helpers to support younger players
• Keep competition friendly and encourage supportive comments among children

Supporting Different Ages and Abilities

In early years and playwork settings, children’s abilities vary. Make adjustments so each child can join in without frustration.

Ways to adapt:

• Use simplified rules for younger players
• Offer physical aids such as larger pieces or assistive grips
• Introduce cooperative versions of competitive games
• Limit rounds for children who find long play difficult

Linking to the Curriculum

Table-top games can support early years outcomes. Matching games link to literacy by helping with letter recognition. Number games link to numeracy development. Storytelling games link to language skills.

Examples:

• Using number-based games to practise counting aloud
• Using word-based games to build vocabulary
• Finding games that help with colour recognition and shape matching

Health and Safety

Safety checks are essential before and after each session.

Basic safety steps:

• Check pieces are intact
• Avoid sharp edges or splinters
• Wash hands before and after playing
• Store games in labelled containers to avoid mix-ups

Observing and Recording Play

Recognising how children engage with table-top games can inform future planning. Watching children play shows how they interact, learn and express themselves.

Points to observe:

• Engagement level and enjoyment
• How well children follow instructions
• Cooperation, sharing and turn-taking
• Any frustration and how children respond

Recording these observations helps to choose games that suit the group’s needs and keep the play positive.

Encouraging Positive Behaviour

Games provide a natural setting to guide behaviour. Praise turn-taking and fair play. Help children manage feelings when they win or lose. Keep the tone light and supportive.

Ideas:

• Set group norms before starting a game
• Use language that reinforces respect for each player
• Give all children time to make decisions without pressure

Adapting for Inclusion

Some children may have physical, sensory or learning differences. Adapting games can make them more inclusive.

Examples:

• Use textured pieces for children with visual impairment
• Give picture-based cues for children with language delay
• Offer extra time for children who need it
• Play in smaller, quieter groups for children affected by noise

Training and Support for Staff

Staff running table-top games benefit from understanding the developmental links and how to manage group play. Practice helps staff adapt games for varying abilities.

Simple staff tips:

• Learn rules clearly before introducing a game to children
• Keep instructions short and visual when possible
• Observe and guide rather than control the game
• Encourage peer support among children

Final Thoughts

Table-top games are more than just entertainment for children. They offer learning opportunities, promote social skills and give chances for problem-solving in a supportive setting. Picking games that suit the age and ability of the children keeps the play smooth and engaging.

By making small adjustments, observing how children respond, and keeping safety checks in place, table-top games can become a valuable part of daily activities. The mix of fun and learning they offer can help children grow in confidence, improve their thinking skills and build stronger relationships with others.