Inside: Toy Minefield is a blindfold game that will help your kids pick up their toys. Not only will your house get clean, but your kids will also practice directional words and listening skills.
Do you have days in your house when the floor is covered with toys and getting across the room without stepping on something seems like an impossible task? The idea for this game came to me when one of those days happened at my house.
We all know that neither forcing kids to clean up nor cleaning up for them is fun. What’s fun? Playing games, of course. And if your floor will happen to get clean by the end of the game, all the better.
Blindfold Game: Toy Minefield
What you need
A blindfold
A toy-strewn home (do you know this poem?)
How to play
All players take turns pairing with each other. In a pair: one player is wearing a blindfold, while the other player is a minefield expert. The pair hold hands. The minefield expert guides a blindfolded player across the room with voice prompts. The goal is to get across WITHOUT stepping on mines (= toys).
Example: take one step forward with your left foot — a small step. Now take a step with your right foot. There is a big truck in front of you. Step over it.
Once across the room, both players need to pick two toys and put them where they belong. No quickly dumping toys, but placing them where they belong.
Depending on how many children you have, you can alternate the players or the pairs. I have four kids, so if they play without me, two pairs take turns playing. If I play with them, I might take turns with each of the kids or pair up with someone who needs me more that day. And some days, it’s three or four of them all holding hands and giving directions at the same time 🙂
Once the floor is free of toys, it’s time for a group hug!
There is more to the game than meets the eye
There is no doubt that the ability to follow verbal instructions is a valuable skill. But do you know what else your kids practice in this game? Taking directions from siblings without getting on the defensive.
If you have multiple children, you know how defensive kids can get when their siblings tell them what to do. Don’t tell me how to do it! I’ll do it my way!
With this game, they’re eager and receptive for guidance because it means winning as a team. It’s such a pleasure to watch them hold hands and giggle. It’s a fun game!
Listening for directions is hard. Initially, it might take kids some time to learn to focus enough to follow the instructions correctly. I find it especially true with younger kids. My toddler sometimes does the opposite thing. I say “stop” and she goes. I say “jump” and she stops.
The best part is that practicing listening skills makes kids better listeners.
In this game, picking up toys is a fun part of the game, so your kids will be happy to do it. By the time the game is over, your floor will be cleared of clutter, you will practice listening skills, and you all will get a healthy dose of family bonding.
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