Qwirkle is a fun game and should be in every homeschool home! It’s the perfect game for beginning board game strategy for preschoolers and color or shape recognition for toddlers. I am excited to share with you the fun game Qwirkle from For Small Hands.
Qwirkle Review Notes
Reviewing games is one of my favorite things about being a kid blogger. We are a very frugal family, so don’t typically get to open brand new packages. This game was a huge treat for us and has already had lots of love during our homeschool days.
Qwirkle is a fun game for kids and parents. I wasn’t quite sure how the kids would do with a game that has rules and guidelines since we do a lot of free play in our home. I am so excited to say they had a BLAST. Samuel really understood the rules and often corrected my moves. Avalyn used this game as a color and shape recognition game and was very careful with the tile placements.
Qwirkle (item number Y480) can be found at For Small Hands. Qwirkle is label for 2 to 4 players, 6 years and older. Since our kids are 2 and 4, I decided to keep the score counting part of the game out for now, but it is easy to see how this game will grow with our family. Instead of having a winner or loser, the family plays until all the tiles are used. Our focus, for now, is to help our young kids with beginning understanding of board game strategy and fun interaction for the whole family.
Qwirkle Game
The idea of the game is strategy. Lines are made up of 6 tiles, either all the same shape or the same color. Additions to the line can be made as new tiles are drawn. Samuel and I did our first game together while Avalyn took a nap. This really helped me to work with him on the rules and the strategy of the game.
Each player starts by choosing 6 tiles from the bag of tiles. No peeking! We decided to lay our tiles down flat while we were playing. That way I could guide the kids on their moves. The goal is to add as many tiles as you can from your hand to the game grid. To start, the player with the highest number of consecutive tiles, either shapes or colors, goes first.
I read all the rules to the Samuel before we started the game. Throughout our time playing, I discussed with Samuel how adding multiple piece to the game would increase his points, although we didn’t write any down. He also picked up the concept that adding a tile to a specific place on the grid would block another players move. When a player completes a consecutive line of either 6 shapes or 6 colors in a row they get a Qwirkle!
Qwirkle and Toddlers
Once Avalyn finished with her nap, we decided to play again. Avalyn is 2 years old and loves to practice her color and shape recognition. Qwirkle is a wonderful game for this toddler skill. Samuel decided he would explain the rules to Avalyn and they worked together to recognize the color and shapes she had on her tiles. This is one of the wonderful things about having a child led home. Often I can sit back and allow the kids work work through new games together.
I can’t think of a better board game for introducing beginning game strategy to preschoolers. In the picture above, Samuel found he could add two of his tiles at one time.
In the very same game, toddlers can demonstrate their knowledge of colors and shapes. I had no idea Qwirkle would be so helpful in our everyday learning!
Avalyn especially liked the clean up of this game. The bag is a canvas bag that is very sturdy. She happily called out the colors of each of the tiles as she cleaned up our Qwirkle grid.
I’m a big believer that there are some things that can’t be taught and often I’m not even aware of the kind of learning that is happening. After we finished our game, Avalyn chose to arrange the tiles in rows. Since she was being respectful to the tiles and was so concentrated, I allowed her to explore in any way she felt necessary. I also asked Samuel to allow his sister to work with the tiles uninterrupted. This is the kind of respect for others work we try to instill in our children. After Avalyn finished with her rows she put all the tiles back in the bag and the game was put away.
Overall, I love this game. I know as our children get older we will start to use the point system. I can see how this is a great adding activity and a fun family night game!
I’ve heard of Qwirkle but we haven’t played it. It looks like a good game for beginning math skills, too.
Barb @ A Life in Balance’ last post was: 14 Must Read Blogging Tips for 2015 (Must Have Blog Resource)
I’ve never heard of Qwirkle before, so thanks for the review. There’s just something about tiles and shapes that totally work for kids, despite the simplicity of it all, right? 🙂 I love how this game allows both your kids to work/play together!
Elaine Goh’ last post was: Toddler / Preschool Screwdriver Activity
Thanks for stopping by Elaine! We love Qwirkle. The tiles are beautiful. My husband and I would play on our own, but having the kids is a good reason to play a fun game!