Making Geography Fun

By Michele Blandino

Geography usually doesn't rank very high up on the typical kids list of favorite school subjects. And, to make matters worse, the state capital drills usually begin in earnest during the third and fourth grade years.

So, you can only image the reaction most parents would get if they are daring enough to suggest that their kids tackle this subject during their summer vacation travels.

Yet, thanks to the folks at International Playthings you may be able to do just that.

Inexpensive Fun

The License Plate Game is another in a long line of International Playthings products that lives up to the company's reputation for being able to come up with an inexpensive and fun game that will help keep the kids' eyes on the road while providing an opportunity to learn about states and capitals.

As its name suggests, the object of the License Plate Game is find as many different license plates as possible among the cars you pass en-route to your destination. The game includes miniature replica license plates for all 50 states and 13 Canadian provinces that players use to keep track of the plates they've 'found'. The game's play surface is magnetic and has a space for each state or province and their capital.

A Real Winner

Named one of the Best Vacation Products for 2003 by Dr. Toy, the License Plate Game is intended for children ages 4 and older. There are a number of ways to play; the most basic version is for players to identify as many different license plates as possible during the trip. Older children can be challenged to name the corresponding capital for each state or province. And, while the game includes instructions for 4 different ways to play, kids may also enjoy coming up with their own games.

Take it on the Road

The License Plate Game's 18" x 12 3/4" magnetic play surface folds in half, allowing it to be easily stowed under a seat, in a seat pocket, or tucked into a suitcase. And, because the play surface and pieces are magnetic, the game will stay intact if it needs to be put aside for a rest stop. Most important, at $7.99, it is relatively inexpensive.

While the License Plate Game may not stop the inevitable chorus of "Are we there yet?" it should help make the time on the road much more enjoyable and interesting.