Card Games for Smart Kids

Card games are great fun--and learning new games can magically enhance kids' skills! To play a game, children must master rules, develop mental strategies to compete successfully, understand the objectives, evaluate their own (and their opponents') strengths and weaknesses, learn routine procedures and probabilities, keep track of the goings-on, and make long-range plans. Plus, games force them to respond quickly and to deal socially with others. Try out activities that stress language skills and reading, number concepts, and divergent thinking.