What’s growing now
Kids this age are ready for rules with real strategy. The sweet spot is games that are challenging but not overwhelming — and kids learn even more when they help remember and enforce rules themselves.
Play ideas that work
- Remember-and-match card games
Concentration, Go Fish, Old Maid, or SET ask kids to track cards and switch between matching rules which strengthens working memory and flexibility. - Beginner strategy boards
Sorry, Battleship, mancala, checkers, and Chinese checkers ask children to think ahead and adapt to an opponent’s move. Planning plus inhibition equals better decisions. - Physical stop-and-go games
Freeze Dance, Red Light Green Light, Duck Duck Goose, or Magic Word target attention and inhibition. Simon Says adds rule-switching for extra challenge. - Songs, rounds, and clapping
Call-and-response songs and clapping patterns like “Miss Mary Mack” load working memory and timing. Try simple rounds such as “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” - Puzzles and logic
Mazes, matching, and beginner logic puzzles build problem solving. Guessing games like 20 Questions require holding previous clues in mind and updating theories.
Sensory-friendly tips
- Practice new games one-on-one before group play.
- Use visual rule cards and sand timers.
- Offer movement breaks between rounds.
When to reach out
If every rule change triggers a shutdown or focus drops off within seconds across settings, extra support can make play and school far easier.
References: Recommendations adapted from the Center on the Developing Child’s 5–7 activity pages on card and board games, physical games, movement songs, and quiet logic play.