re reviewing this again. My girls didn't like listening for this one. it had some good ideas but well i think we are bad at implementing them.

This book is another in the “Smart Fun” series of game books for ages 4 and up. Other titles include 101 Music Games for Children, 101 Games for Children, 101 Improv Games for Children and Adults, and 101 More Life Skills Games for Children. This title in the series was written by former teacher Alison Bartl, and provides ideas and suggestions targeted toward easing the stresses faced by today’s school-aged children.

The introductory section of the book offers some brief insights as to why today’s student may be in need of some stress relief in his or her day. In addition to the brief introductory notes, the book’s beginning pages include the useful chart common to the Smart Fun Books identifying the appropriate group size for each game and a list of the icons used to describe key components of each game. The icons indicate the suitable age range, prop needs, and other features for each game. Thus identified, icons will appear at the top of each game’s page in the book to assist the reader in quickly locating a suitable activity. Each game suggestion takes approximately 1 page to describe; some are as brief as one short paragraph. Inspirational quotes are sprinkled throughout the book where space allows.

The games included in this title range from simple physical activities to ones in which the child is invited to express emotions such as anger or anxiety. Many of the games involve guessing or problem solving, teamwork and sharing. There are a few games specifically for outdoor use while others will require props such as a music player, paper, or candles.

Some of the games are familiar ones from my own childhood, while other ideas were new to me. Not all of the games will be appropriate for every setting or group of children. In particular, I would not select the games involving vampires or witches for game play with my own children. But, I could easily modify the suggestions to incorporate less menacing characters.

Overall, this book would be a useful addition to a new teacher’s library of reference materials but might not contain enough new material for a more experienced instructor. Though, anyone looking for new inspiration or a reminder of activities once known but forgotten will find something of use in the book. I tried out several of the activities with two of my own children, ages 7 and 4, with good results, albeit only temporary ones. After quickly performing a suggested activity, they both clamored for yet another one. I think that means they liked the book. In general I find the Smart Fun books to be easy to use with simple but effective ideas for entertaining children. There are other activities books that contain far more detail and complexity, but this book is quick and easy to use.

Note: I received my copy of this book free of charge and am publishing this review as an “early reviewer” of the book. ( )

This is a cute book, that still seems like it could have used a final pass by an editor. There are numerous small mistakes in typing, usually involving matching a verb to its subject.
That said, a number of the exercises look like fun and I'll enjoy trying them out when my niece gets a bit older. ( )

Our children spend so much time entertaining themselves these days, that it can be difficult to get them to interact in a positive way with others. Even many classrooms have a difficult time creating opportunities for positive interaction. Electronic games and computers have taken their toll.

This book has 101 fun ways to play and have fun, while relaxing and shedding the tensions that even our little ones find building during the day. There are sit down games, and active games. One suggestion is even for a tea party with Chamomile tea!

Scouting expeditions, massage circles, campfire games (around a candle) and mental gymnastics are all included. I work in a school for special needs children and there are many games that our students will be able to play and enjoy. Of course this is not a book meant to be handed off to a child with instructions to "go and play." This is a book to give adults new ideas of how to interact with children and find new ways to enjoy some down time.

One of my favorite parts of this book are the little bits of wisdom tucked here and there among the games, Such as "Imagination is more important tan knowledge" Albert Einstein .

This is one of those books that moms, caregivers and teachers will find to be an invaluable resource for those times when everyone needs a break. ( )

This small book is an excellent resource for teachers and daycare workers (preK through about 2nd grade). While some of the activities are meant to be done alone, few are really good to use at home if you just have one child.

The activities in this book are excellent for transition times in a classroom of just about an size. All the games are original-some are based on games I'd seen before, but these games add something new. However, despite the title, many of these games will NOT help children relax. They are energy-building games. Despite that, the games are fun and even using a dozen of them through the school year can be fun for students and helpful for teachers. Excellent resource for teachers and to add to a school library collection. I do question the publisher's decision to classify this as Juvenile Nonfiction, though-it's not written for the kids. ( )