Vocabulary/Games: Ages 8 - Adult
Uncle Lester's Word Game
Publisher: Hovda Game Services, Inc.
For more information or to order: www.hovdagame.com

Uncle Lester's Word Game has quickly become a favorite at my house! In fact, after we played it the first night, my kids made it their choice the next three times we had family game night. This game is incredibly easy to play, with simple rules and lots of interesting categories. It can be played by children as young as 8 and enjoyed by adults as well. There are three versions available for purchase - Student, Family and Bible.

We were given the Student Edition to review and after playing it several times, we can't wait to check out the other editions.  This is a word game based on dictionary definitions.  The game board has a circular pattern that the playing pieces travel on.  Each player chooses a place to start and then rolls the 2 dice.  One die determines how many spaces the player will travel, the other die determines the difficulty level and the number of points that will be awarded for a correct response.  There are 11 different categories of definitions including Art, Music, Social Studies, Math, Science, Foreign Language, Language Arts and more.  Each category has its own color spade on the board that is coordinated with the definition cards.  There are several suggestions given in the rules for accomadating younger players, making the game more challenging, etc.  The first player to 20 points wins the game.  It usually takes our family of four about 45 minutes to play the game.  Although we really enjoy the game, we do get frustrated occassionally by the wording of the definitions. We also found the music, art and foreign language definitions to be a stretch for our sons, but we realize that they are gaining new knowledge everytime they play the game.  You might think that since this is the student edition it would really be too easy for adults to play, but you'd be wrong :-)  The first time we played the game our youngest son won.  Of course, many of the Level 1 definitions are quite easy for adults, but other levels are definitely a challenge especially if you don't have much knowledge in the specific category.  You will definitely want to have a dictionary on hand!

I love a good story, and the story of Uncle Lester's Board Game just adds to the charm of this game.  (You can read about how this game got started at the website listed above.) At our house we believe that learning happens all the time, and games are an important part of the learning curve.  Uncle Lester's Word Game will help build your children's vocabulary and thinking skills - but don't tell the kids - they'll just think they're having fun :-)

Making the Grade:  A+
Cost:  $35.00
Value for Your Homeschool Dollar:  10
Review provided by Cindy Prechtel, Editor