Skills behind the moves

Planning means holding a goal in mind and choosing steps towards it. Prediction means imagining what the opponent will do next. Flexibility means changing course when that prediction turns out wrong. These are the same skills children use when organising a project or solving a multi-step problem.

Losing is part of the learning. A child who can say why they lost has gained more than one who won by accident.

Game 1: Take the Last Counter

Players: 2. Ages: 6 to 12. Time: 5 minutes per round. Materials: 15 counters or dried beans.

Players take turns to remove 1, 2 or 3 counters from the pile. Whoever takes the last counter wins. After a few rounds, ask children whether going first or second matters, and whether there is a number they want to leave for their opponent.

Easier: start with 10 counters and allow taking 1 or 2. Harder: the player who takes the last counter loses, or allow taking 1 to 4.

Game 2: Four in a Row on Paper

Players: 2. Ages: 7 to 12. Time: 10 minutes. Materials: squared paper, two coloured pencils.

Mark a grid 7 squares wide and 6 tall. Players take turns to colour the lowest empty square in any column. The first to make four in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally wins. Children quickly learn to block as well as build.

• Easier: play on a 5 by 5 grid and aim for three in a row.

• Harder: each player must say aloud which square their opponent is likely to choose next before making their own move.

• Class version: pairs play two rounds, then swap partners and share one tip that worked.

Tips for adults

Play alongside children and think aloud about your own choices. Avoid rescuing a child from a poor move; instead, after the game, replay the moment together and ask what else they could have tried. Keep a board or counters out so children can return to a game on their own.

Many schools run a lunchtime chess or games club, and this works well once children know the basic rules. Pair beginners with more experienced players and ask the stronger player to explain one idea per game rather than simply winning. Rotating partners each week keeps the club friendly and stops the same children always coming out on top.

Key points

• Choose games where decisions, not dice, decide the result.

• Ask children to predict the other player's next move.

• Review lost games calmly to find the turning point.

• Start with small boards and short rounds.

Ready-made resources

Printable session plans and materials for this topic are available from EduTrend Contents: G4C-110 Thinking Games.

Photos: Wander Fleur, Finn / Unsplash