While riding in a car, here are some games I play with my nephews.
1. We look for houses that have American Flags and keep count.
2. Knowledge Bowl: As each child an age appropriate question to see what he/she knows.
Some questions asked: What are the names of the four seasons? Which season makes the trees blossom? How many stripes on the American Flag? What do they represent? Who was the first president? What color is fuscia? How many in a dozen? Name some fruits and nuts and ask if they grow in the ground, on a bush, a vine or a tree. Ask how clouds are made. What rhymes with XXX? What are pilgrims? What makes the face of the man in the moon? Where does water go when flushed? What do you call a group of cows? A group of lions? Which came first, the chicken or the egg? LOL!
3. Open conversations! What do you like best about your mom? your dad? your teacher? your school? your best friend? Favorite toy/gift?
4. I love this one. I heard Maria Shriver say in an interview that at dinner every evening, her mom would ask them what they had done that day FOR OTHERS. After hearing what her children had to say, she would ask if they had done enough or if there is something more they could have done. Using that theme, you can get the kiddos talking about what they can do to help other people, the environment, their neighborhood, their school, etc. Ask about world events and get their opinion.
5. Teach them some tongue twisters, "She sells sea shells down by the sea shore". etc.
6. Teach them a patriotic song. They don't care if you sing out of tune!
Diane