Do your children play with jacks?

The game of jacks dates back to over 2000 years ago.  In the ancient world this game was played with stones or small animal bones.  As time went on a wooden ball was introduced to the game.  Then eventually a rubber ball replaced the wooden one and metal game pieces replaced the stones.

I know you wanted to history of the game of jacks before I proceeded with today’s blog post.  For more exciting history facts on toys and games check out: History Lives

Now moving on to my point… Jacks have been around for centuries, yet today you don’t see many children playing this game.  Why not?  Let’s think about the benefits:

1.  Helps develop great hand eye coordination.

2.  Children learn to play with one another and take turns.

3.  It is a short game.  Long attention span is not required.

4.  There is no TV or computer involved.  Simple hands-on fun!

5.  Children love to watch their parents scream and yell when they accidentally step on one.

If you still don’t think that playing jacks is a suitable game for your children, you can try the Jack-in-a-Box Painting activity.

Idea of the Day:

Play jacks with your children or try an art project with jacks.

Jack-in-a-Box-Painting

What you will need:

- tempera paints

- ziploc bag

- jacks

- paper

- shoe box or plastic box with a lid

- plastic spoons

What to do:

1.  Squeeze or spoon a few drops of each color of paint into separate plastic bags.

2.  Place several jacks into each bag.  You can also add the ball if you would like.

3.  Shake the bag until all the jacks are covered with paint.

4.  Place a sheet of paper inside the box.

5.  Scoop out the jacks and place them on the paper.

6.  Put the lid on the box.

7.  Shake!

8.  Open the box to see your latest and greatest creation.

This activity is found in Art Across the Alphabet by Kelly Justus Campbell.