What to do with this activity?
The game of dots and boxes is a game of logic that you can play wherever you are. All you need is a piece of paper and two pencils or pens in different colours. Here's how to play.
1) Draw a grid of dots with the dots all carefully lined up underneath each other. We suggest drawing five dots across and five dots down to begin with, but you can make the grid bigger or smaller.
2) Player "one" draws a line joining two of the dots anywhere on the grid with their coloured pen, then player "two" joins another two dots. Take it in turns after that to join two dots each time.
3) The aim of the game is to complete the fourth side of a square, then put your initial in the box and claim it as yours.
4) The person with the most boxes wins.
If it helps to help get your started, look at the PDF on the top right link for a grid of dots which you can either print or copy.
-
Why am I doing this?
One of the ways children learn is through play. A child who is playing is refining learning skills that continue to develop during childhood and beyond. Indoor and outdoor games are a great way of practising some of the reading, writing and number skills your child has learned.
-
How can I do more?
Encourage your child to teach you a game – letting them teach you something is empowering for your child.
Rate this activity
Based on 4 reviews
How would you rate it?
1 = Poor, 5 = Great.
Share this activity
If you’ve found this activity helpful, why not share it with your friends?
