Top 5 Online Games for Teens

Teens are often found glued to their computers, whiling away their time on Facebook or Instagram. How about engaging them with fun online games instead? While some of the older, classic online games are still popular, many new ones have mushroomed, giving kids of all ages plenty of variety to choose from.

Here are a few that your teens are sure to love!

Photo by: Tomasland

 Just Words

Just Words is a take on the classic game of Scrabble. Players will have to form the best words with the tiles denoting a single letter with a point value. Score the double letters and triple words by placing your word on the high-score slots. The game can be played against the computer, with a friend, or even by oneself. 

Letter Garden

Set against the backdrop display of a garden, Letter Garden is an online game that’s any teenage word wizard’s dream come true! The goal of the game is to clear the objective that’s shared at the beginning of each level, per board, within the time limit. Words can be made in any direction by dragging the arrow across the tiles. If you're a fan of timed word puzzles, this one's for you!

Backgammon

Does this online game need any introduction? The traditional board game is available online both with the classic board as well as a themed board like winter, Halloween, Christmas, etc.The game can be played against a computer or another person as public or private games. Play and find out how many gammons you gather before the game is over!

Spades

Since the time Windows games were the only way to beat time, Spades has been the go-to game! Teens will need a partner to play Spades on their computers. The goal of this online card game is for each team to win the minimum number of tricks they bid on before play begins. The trump is the titular spade for the players to clinch a win!

Bejeweled 2

If you’ve been a fan of Bejeweled, now there’s Bejeweled 2 for you. In the ‘classic mode’, the rules you've always played by apply.  In the other ‘action mode’, you must fill the slots continuously as they are always running down. A good score unlocks the other game-play modes which are just as brilliant!

How many of these online games have you played? Try your luck with all and unlock a new experience of gaming!

3 Fun ABC Games for Active Kids

Photo Courtesy – Eva Van Ostade

Teaching kids the alphabet is one of the first learning goals for every parent. It also happens to be the first step in preparing your child for kindergarten. But not everyone finds it easy to memorize the alphabet song and letters. Some kids need extra help and flash cards may or may not do the trick. Here are a few interesting and fun ABC games for active kids.

ABC Games for Active Kids:

 
1. Match the Letter
Here’s a simple ABC game to test your toddler’s alphabet skills.

You will need:
• Letter magnets
• Marker pen

Instructions:
• Clean the surface of your refrigerator door.
• Write the letters of the alphabet on it.
• If your child is a beginner, make sure the letters are all lowercase or all capitals and in order.
• For more advanced learners, scramble the letters and write them out of order. You could also mix up lowercase and uppercase letters.
• Now ask them to study each letter carefully. What does the shape remind them of? Is it thick or thin, long or curvy?
• Next, have them find the correct magnet to match the letters written on the fridge.
• Cheer them on as they hunt for the letters.
• To make things more exciting, you might want to set a time limit and award a prize to the winner (if you are playing with more than 1 child).

2. Letters on the Sidewalk
Turn the sidewalk or driveway into a game zone with this energetic ABC game.

You will need:
• Chalk (for summer)
• Painter’s tape and cut out letters (for winter)
• Squirt gun
 

Instructions:
• Use the chalk to create a ‘letter path’ on the sidewalk.
• Ask your child to follow your instructions instantly. He is not allowed to stop and think.
• When he is ready to start playing, shout out an instruction like “Hop to J.” Or, “Run to P.”Mix up the letters and see how fast he can identify them.
• Continue the game until all the letters are covered.
• For some extra fun, ask him to use the squirt gun to clean the sidewalk.

3. Pool Noodle Alphabet
This ABC game is the perfect learning activity for summer evenings.

You will need:
• Pool noodle
• Baby pool

Instructions:
• Cut up the pool noodle and write a letter on each piece.
• Scatter the pieces into the baby pool.
• Have your little swimmer jump and try to find the letter you call out.
• Reward him with his favorite food when he finds all the letters – after all, all this strenuous activity is bound to make him very hungry!