I Spy is more than a game. It’s a learning activity where children are looking and listening for information. They are matching objects, using vocabulary, asking questions and processing answers. And, of course, having fun. Here’s several different ways to play I Spy. First, the most common is for one person to look around, see something and give a clue, such as I Spy with my little eye, something that is blue, or another color. The others take turns suggesting possibilites. Either adults or kids can give the clues. Instead of using colors, try shapes: I spy with my little eye something that’s a circle. To encourage listening for letter sounds the clues could be an object that starts with a particular sound. For instance, if it’s a table the I Spy would be something that starts with the sound ‘tuh’. An object can be chosen for it’s function as in I Spy something that helps me dry my hands–the towel. Another way to play is to give children a magazine and let them I Spy for things that are red. They can cut them out and glue them onto a big paper. Draw a big eye on the page. Occasionally, a parent or caregiver can sneak in a chore that needs doing such as I Spy something on the floor that belongs in the toybox, or I Spy something on the sofa that needs to get put away. A game makes the task seem more like play instead of work. Maybe I can try it on the pile of laundry that I Spy next to the washing machine. How about you, can you suggest any other ways to play I Spy?
