I love board games, especially in the fall and winter. We have several classics, but let’s face it, when your kids are young there are only so many times you can mentally tolerate CandyLand without needing a glass of wine. Now that my girls are a little older, ages 4 and 7, I am enjoying watching them graduate to newer and more complex board games.
I wasn’t familiar with the Discovery Toys brand of educational toys, but they recently sent us Friendship Island, a board game designed by educational experts to teach social and emotional awareness. Children explore issues related to making and keeping friends and being a good friend, as well as resolving disagreements. The game includes two sets of playing cards and instructions, which can be used for easier or more challenging game play, plus a Parent Guide to promote family involvement and dialogue. I have played the game with my girls a few times and it’s nice to ”play” while discussing with them how they can be a better friend. It’s also nice to have a game not featuring a popular cartoon character for once!
I love how each toy listing on the Discovery Toys website shows the appropriate age range, as well as its key benefits.
Friendship Island, which is appropriate for ages 5 and up, helps kids:
- Express ideas and emotions in words
- Expand understanding of self and other
- Respect the ideas and differences of others
- Understand the consequences of positive and negative choices
- Value the importance of friendship, kindness, cooperation, and consideration
- Encourage family participation and opportunities for dialogue
Friendship Island retails for $35 on the Discovery Toys website (or you can search on the site for a representative near you). It’s part of the full line of new learning toys introduced this fall in time for the holiday season. That’s a little steep, but if you have a daughter in 1st or 2nd grade I would recommend it. Plus you can always put it on their wish list for the grandparents this holiday season!
