Dragons aren’t really into playing games but kids can play this dragon treasure search game and give clues warmer and colder for closer or farther away. Do you remember playing this game as a child?
Pirates hide their treasure and at least make maps. Of course, dragons can’t write so they guard their treasure and hide it in very clever ways. Then comes the challenge of finding it again. Preschool kids need some adult help with this game, or perhaps an older brother or sister, but they still enjoy playing.
First of all, a ‘dragon’ needs to hide some treasure in a room. This could be a special rock or something shiny. We used a big brass key that just looks like it should open a secret door or treasure chest. Once the dragon hides the object then it’s time for a seeker to look for it. If the seeker moves closer to the object, the dragon says warmer. If instead the seeker is moving farther away, the dragon says colder.
With young kids, they often need coaching. For instance, even if you are the dragon, you might need to say, “The dragon said colder so that’s not the right way. What way do you need to go so the dragon says warmer?” Reminders might be enough, such as, “Oops, that’s the cold way.” Of course, the dragon can make the game more exciting with clues like hot, really hot, super hot, and burning to indicate that someone is getting very, very close. Once the object is found, the dragon can roar.
With our lives so busy, we sometimes forget the pleasure of a simple game. While it looks somewhat silly, the game is hiding some learning treasures. Kids get to interact with others; they practice using clues; they use the meaning of words to direct their actions, they concentrate and listen carefully. When kids figure out the game, they can be the dragon or leader. They get to be on an equal level with older kids and adults.The game is fun and rewarding, even if the treasure kids find at the end is a familiar object. It’s surprisingly active depending on where the prize is hidden, like deep in the back of the closet! The prize is the doing, not the object.
When there’s time, this game can be used to help kids find their coats, or other items they need. That way, they have to get involved in the looking instead of just waiting for us to find what they can’t. Is there time in your child’s day for this dragon treasure search game?