The Action Board Game

Step by step

1. 1Print the board and die template, fold and glue the die, and grab some playing pieces (bottle caps work great).
2. 2Look at each movement challenge together before starting (5 bunny hops, crawl under the table...).
3. 3Set the rules: take turns rolling, move your piece, and DO the challenge on your space.
4. 4Play for real: jump in and do the challenges too—that is half the fun!
5. 5Pick your ending: a classic race, or team mode (everyone finishes before the sand timer runs out) if losing is still tricky.
6. 6Mix it up: let the kids invent new spaces (new challenges, 'go back 2 spaces' traps) for the next round.

What it builds

This game hits all the big skills for 4- to 6-year-olds: following rules, counting spaces, and running, jumping, and moving. One simple homemade game, and all three areas get a boost together.