Games Combining All Skills – Introduction

These are the kinds of games I see everyone playing—the games people instinctively reach for when they say, “Let’s play a game with the child.” They’re colorful, engaging, full of manipulatives, and children are naturally drawn to them. But then the questions start: What am I supposed to do with this?

Often, we try to teach while using these games, and that’s when things fall apart. The child gets upset, throws the pieces, and walks away saying, “No, thank you.” That’s exactly what we want to prevent.

If we start early—teaching children how to play, how to memorize information, how to use systems—we set a foundation. Slowly, simply, step by step, these skills build upon each other. By the time they get to these types of games, they’re ready. In fact, they’ll begin to teach us how to play them. They’ll show us creative approaches we hadn’t even imagined.

That’s where their real skills shine through.

These games become a window into:

• The skills they’ve acquired throughout the nine simplesteps4learning programs,
• Their preferences and talents,
• How different systems work for them (or don’t),

This process isn’t just about play—it’s about guidance. If a child creates a strategy, it’s because they need it. That’s your cue. Ask yourself: Why did they create that strategy? What challenge were they addressing? Understanding this allows you to step back and say, “OK, this is a strength, and this is a weakness—and that’s OK.”

For example, I don’t have a strong memory. I struggle with recalling names or the precise way I want to phrase things. So, I use strategies. Quiet ones. Invisible ones. But they work—and I appear capable. That’s the power of knowing what you need and building a system to support it.

How These Games Fit In

These games and activities may look isolated at first glance, but they are deeply connected to my programs. They bring together all the skills children have been practicing. While they allow for the integration of multiple skill areas, you can still teach targeted skills through them, which I will show you.

You don’t need to ask me anymore, “What should I get for my child?” You’ll know. Because you’ll be able to turn any game or activity into a powerful learning experience.

Each activity or game will include a link to the Simple Steps for Learning programs needed. These links will support you if challenges arise during gameplay.

What You’ll Get

I’ve chosen 10 specific games, each designed to engage a wide array of skills, including:

• Literacy
• Reading comprehension
• Describing object characteristics
• Giving and following verbal directions
• Spatial relationship concepts
• Language concepts
• Scenario description
• And much more

You’ll be entering the cherished world every adult long to share with a child: playing a game—purposefully, joyfully, and meaningfully.