Updated August 30/2010

Now, let's play:

Able Gamers

I'm a gamer. I adore video games whether they are on my PC or a console. I love them whether they're strategy, action, rpg, puzzle,  or simply fun time wasters. When I discovered this site it opened my eyes up to a world of gaming I never thought about. The site reviews video games from the angle of accessibility to people who are disabled.

I highly recommend that you check out the About Us section, because they not only tell you what they're all about but give you interesting information on the percentage of gamers out there who are disabled. When they say that more than likely someone you game with has some form of disability – that caught my attention right away, because I run a guild in the game World of Warcraft and we have two disabled gamers among us. One gamer has RSD, (Reflex sympathetic dystrophy) and another gamer has FOP (fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive) both of which are fairly painful conditions. My guild is like my second family, so you can see why this is near and dear to my heart.

To check out their reviews, click Reviews on their navigation strip at the top of the page. This will take you to page where you have the option of looking at games on certain platforms, or the hardware of the platform itself.

You’ll notice for the games they review there is a check card. On the check card you’ll find: Precision, Deaf Gamers, One-handed, Other Alerts, Subtitled, and Color Blind. A game can score in each of these areas. The games are also given an overall score from 1-10, with ten being the best. There will be a link to jump down the page to the main review of the game. In the text review you’ll get all the gritty details about the game and its ease of use by someone disabled.

On the main page you'll find a lot of great information from the featured articles and news. You’ll also be able to learn about featured gamers. When I was visiting it was Carol from Cincinnati, Ohio; who plays games and they actually have helped eased her symptoms.

I hope this is a site you’ll pass on! I'm sharing it with you and with everyone important in my life!

http://www.ablegamers.com/

Addicting Games

I spend every Saturday playing games on this site, so I just had to share it with you. I start my workday on campus with the daily puzzle, and then play the Governor of Poker (a texas hold’em poker adventure) throughout the day as we slow down on students coming in. This is site provides a great way to pass the time on a slow workday that’s for sure!

There are tons of games to play here for free. The categories of games are: Action, Sports, Puzzle, Shooting, Arcade, Strategy, Adventure, Life & Style, and Downloads. Best of all you can play without having to create an account.

But if you want to create an account so you can rate and review games, challenge your friends, or save your high scores – then you’ll need to register. Click the Join Now – It’s Free link in the top right corner of the page. It will open up the registration form for you to fill out. You have two ways of registering, you can sign up for an Addicting Games profile or you can F-connect with your Facebook login.

To register without Facebook, just create a username, password, provide your date of birth, location, and a working e-mail address. Accept the Terms and Conditions and click the orange Join Now button.

To F-connect, and use your Facebook login – just click the F-connect button. It’s just that simple!

I hope you enjoy my Saturday time killer!

http://www.addictinggames.com

~Amanda

Kung Fu Panda World

Did your kids love the Kung Fu Panda movie? I know I did! Now they can traverse through Kung Fu Panda’s world with this great game! The kids are going to be out of school for the summer soon enough, and while they can play outside and have a rollicking good time on sunny days, what will they do when it rains?

Well instead of having them mope around like they are a gloomy Gus, let them play Kung Fu Panda World!

To get started click the Play Now button. Then select the Start Here button under the New Player option. Next they’ll get to answer six questions that will allow them to discover what their inner animal style is. Click next, and they’ll start designing their character by selecting their gender, appearance, clothing, and name. Then you’ll help them setup their account name and password. Then they’ll need your e-mail address, it specifically asks them to provide their parent’s e-mail address. After that you agree to the terms and conditions, and your child has to agree to the Kung Fu Promise (they have to agree to be polite and not bully other children, as well as, protect their privacy).

Now they’re in and can start playing the game! The game starts with the tutorial. It is very helpful, so I recommend not skipping it. Once you go through the tutorial you’re ready to explore the world at large and earn levels. There is no right way to level up so just dive into the adventures!

Even as an adult I find this site fun and challenging, so don’t be embarrassed to play too!

http://kungfupandaworld.com/

~Amanda

Addicting Games

I spend every Saturday playing games on this site, so I just had to share it with you. I start my workday on campus with the daily puzzle, and then play the Governor of Poker (a texas hold’em poker adventure) throughout the day as we slow down on students coming in. This is site provides a great way to pass the time on a slow workday that’s for sure!

There are tons of games to play here for free. The categories of games are: Action, Sports, Puzzle, Shooting, Arcade, Strategy, Adventure, Life & Style, and Downloads. Best of all you can play without having to create an account.

But if you want to create an account so you can rate and review games, challenge your friends, or save your high scores – then you’ll need to register. Click the Join Now – It’s Free link in the top right corner of the page. It will open up the registration form for you to fill out. You have two ways of registering, you can sign up for an Addicting Games profile or you can F-connect with your Facebook login.

To register without Facebook, just create a username, password, provide your date of birth, location, and a working e-mail address. Accept the Terms and Conditions and click the orange Join Now button.

To F-connect, and use your Facebook login – just click the F-connect button. It’s just that simple!

I hope you enjoy my Saturday time killer!

http://www.addictinggames.com

~Amanda

Kung Fu Panda World

Did your kids love the Kung Fu Panda movie? I know I did! Now they can traverse through Kung Fu Panda’s world with this great game! The kids are going to be out of school for the summer soon enough, and while they can play outside and have a rollicking good time on sunny days, what will they do when it rains?

Well instead of having them mope around like they are a gloomy Gus, let them play Kung Fu Panda World!

To get started click the Play Now button. Then select the Start Here button under the New Player option. Next they’ll get to answer six questions that will allow them to discover what their inner animal style is. Click next, and they’ll start designing their character by selecting their gender, appearance, clothing, and name. Then you’ll help them setup their account name and password. Then they’ll need your e-mail address, it specifically asks them to provide their parent’s e-mail address. After that you agree to the terms and conditions, and your child has to agree to the Kung Fu Promise (they have to agree to be polite and not bully other children, as well as, protect their privacy).

Now they’re in and can start playing the game! The game starts with the tutorial. It is very helpful, so I recommend not skipping it. Once you go through the tutorial you’re ready to explore the world at large and earn levels. There is no right way to level up so just dive into the adventures!

Even as an adult I find this site fun and challenging, so don’t be embarrassed to play too!

http://kungfupandaworld.com/

~Amanda

Free Mobile Games

My sister loves to play different games on her mobile phone to pass the time. She asked me to see if I could find any that she could download for free because she was tired of what she had already loaded on her phone. So the hunt began, and what I found was this site.

Here you can download games to play on your mobile phone for free. The best way to begin is to not look at the games. Yes, I know they’re shiny and look fun to browse through but what you really need to do is click the yellow Select Phone button, because you don’t want to suffer the heartache of picking out a game like I did and finding out you can’t play it on the model of phone you have. So click Select Phone, and then choose your phone’s model, and then you’ll be shown an array of games that are compatible with your phone.

What kinds of games are there? There are puzzle, adventure, arcade, one thumb, mobile pets, and action games are all available for free downloads to your phone.

If you have any questions, or need help – be sure to check out the Help section; there you will find a great FAQ that answers everything I thought needed clarified about the site.

This is a great way to add some fun to your phone! Check it out today!

http://games.gamejump.com/WhiteLabelWeb/index.htm

~Amanda

http://www.classicvideogamesarcade.com/index.php/play-1943-online.html

http://ohfreegames.com/play_2466_cinematycoon.html

http://www.racinggamesarcade.com/index.php/in-need-of-speed.html

Here is an example of the first mission…you’re in the mech and start shooting enemies and structures. The controls are simple…aim and shoot with the mouse and use the “WASD” keys to move around.

Here we’re rescuing civilians…

Car Games - Our Best Backseat Distractions

From our provider:

In the privacy of your own car, you can laugh as loud as you want or shout out the answers to questions. So don't hold back when you play these games — laugh, yell, or sing your hearts out. The ideas are well suited to driving as they don't involve writing.

More Backseat Tips

Strap a shoe bag to the back of the front seat and stuff it with your small kid-entertainment supplies: crayons and coloring books; kids' magazines; craft supplies, such as pipe cleaners, markers, glue sticks, and construction paper; songbooks; paper doll kits; a deck of cards; and a cassette player with story tapes. And don't forget a Frisbee, jump rope, and chalk (to draw hopscotch grids) for rest stops.

·         mini-puzzles with a backboard

·         video games, cassette or CD player (with headphones)

·         travel versions of board games

·         stuffed animals

·         Etch A Sketch

·         cookie sheet (a good lap tray)

·         word puzzles

·         small action figures or dolls

·         stickers

·         Trivial Pursuit cards

·         cotton string (for cat's cradle games)

Word Games

Eating an Alphabet
Let your half-starved brood describe how hungry they are in this game, best played about half an hour before you make a pit stop for food. This version of the "I'm Packing for a Picnic" game begins when you announce "I'm so hungry I could eat an aviator" ("alligator," or "apple"). The next player adds on with a B word. She might say, "I'm so hungry I could eat an aviator and a bunny rabbit" ("belly button," or "bologna slice"). See if you can keep it up until your family is eating zoos, zippers, or zigzags.

Billboard Poetry
Take turns picking out four words from road signs. Give the words to the other players who have 1 minute to turn the words into a four-line, rhyming poem using one word per line.

One Minute of Words
Everybody gets a pencil and paper. Someone has to be the timekeeper (a good job for a grown-up). The timekeeper picks a letter, tells it to everyone else, and shouts "Go!" Players write as many words as possible that start with that letter. When a minute is up, the timekeeper says "Stop!" and all the players put down their pencils. Whoever has the most legitimate words wins. Decide in advance whether you can finish writing a word you've already started when the game ends. Now, give yourself one more minute to write a sentence with as many of the words as you can.

Word Stretch
Give your child a word challenge by asking her to make as many words as she can from the letters in a phrase such as "Are we there yet?" or "When will we be at the zoo?"

Number Games

Race to 20
Two players take turns counting to twenty. On each turn, a player can say one or two numbers. (If the first says "One," the second might say "Two, three.") Try to force your opponent to reach twenty first.

Buzz
This is a team effort to try to reach 100 without making a mistake. Take turns counting, beginning with one. Every time you get to a number that's divisible by seven (7, 14, 21, . . .) or has a seven in it (17), say "Buzz" instead of the number. If one person forgets to say "Buzz," everyone has to start over. If this is too hard, say "Buzz" for every number divisible by 5. If you want a real challenge, try Fuzz Buzz. Say "Fuzz" for every number with a three in it or that's divisible by three, and "Buzz" for every number with a seven in it or that's divisible by seven.

Guessing Games

I Spy
Someone says, "I spy with my little eye something green." Whoever guesses the item correctly goes next. You could limit the items to what's in the area. Or you could get tricky and play I Spied, selecting items that you've already passed.

Guess Mobile
Name a guess master -- the person who poses a guessing challenge. He or she could ask passengers to guess the color of the next passing car, or how long before you get to the next town. Or, with three clues, what it is that someone else sees.

The House on the Hill
Invent stories about people in the houses you are driving by. What do you think they do for work? What's their favorite food? Where do they go on vacation? Get into lots of details, such as whether they snore loudly or are afraid of spiders. Give them names, hobbies, pets, and so on.

Guess My Name
In this acting game players imitate the motions, habits, and expressions of a famous person, such as an athlete, politician, musician, or actor. The clincher: No talking allowed! Players can ask Yes or No questions (which are met by a nod or a shake). The correct guesser does the next impression.

Two Truths and One Lie
The first person makes three statements about himself or herself. Two are true; the other is a lie. For example, you could say, "I had a dog named Puddles. My sister cut off my hair once when I was asleep. I won the school spelling bee when I was in third grade." Everybody then holds up one, two, or three fingers to show which statement they think is the lie. Reveal the answer and let the next person fib away.

Pit Stops

Pit Stops
Six top games to beat the fidgets: leapfrog, four square, spud, tag, Frisbee, wheelbarrow races.

My Sweet
Here's an easy activity while you wait for restaurant food to arrive. Grab the sugar packets on the table and try these sweet games: Arrange 12, 16, 20, or 24 packets on the table in straight lines of four. Now have two players take turns removing one, two, or three packets at a time. The player who picks up the last packet loses. Or, hide an even number of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters under the packets and take turns trying to find matching pairs.

Crazy Menu
On a paper restaurant menu, take turns crossing out key words. Then have your kids read aloud the new and often grotesque combinations they've created. Anyone for Pepperoni Cake with Strawberry Lettuce?

Other Distractions

Car Scavenger Hunt
Hand your kids a pack of index cards and ask them to write or draw pictures of 50 things they might see on a trip. Keep the cards for scavenger hunts when players vie to match what they see with the cards.

Thumb Wrestling
When you crave an active car game, pack up the books and puzzles and thumb wrestle. Two players sitting next to each other hook the four fingers of their right hands together so both of their right thumbs are sticking straight up. The object is to pin down your opponent's right thumb using your right thumb.

Color Safari
This all-ages game is easily adaptable to your kids' attention spans and the amount of time you have to play. All you do is agree on a basic color — such as red, blue, green, or yellow — and challenge your kids to 100 items that are this color. Younger kids can play a shortened version — counting items to 10 or even 25; older kids will be challenged if you set a time limit and make them race against one another. You can also give each player a different color to search for.

Geography
Start with A to Z anyplace in the world: Kansas, say. The next person has to think of a place that begins with the last letter of Kansas, such as South Africa. Whoever goes next needs a place that starts with A. It has to be a real place — and no using a map!

Secret Highway Messages
Pass out the pencils and paper, and keep your eyes peeled for official road signs. Each time you spot one, write down the first letter. When you've passed five to seven signs — and have five to seven letters — you're ready to crack the code. Here's how: each letter stands for a word. So the letters D, S, C, S, and A could stand for the secret message "Drive slowly, construction starts ahead." Of course, others in your family may interpret it as "Dad, stop, candy store ahead."

Raindrop Race
On a rainy day, each player traces the course of a raindrop down the car window. The first drop to reach the bottom wins.

Squabble Solutions
Give your kids 25 cents in pennies at the start of the trip. Each time they fight or whine, charge them a penny. Offer a reward, such as doubling or tripling their money, if they haven't lost a cent during the ride.

Wager and Win
Kids are natural wagerers — they love to bet how much, how long, how far, how many. If you're in a bind for a moment's entertainment, ask them to guess the number of French fries on your plate or to estimate how many steps it will take to walk to your airport gate. The key here is to be able to verify the guesses — you'll need to wear a watch with a second hand and carry a calculator.

Creative Competition
Kids love challenges. Need to get rid of the trash in the car? See who can smash the trash into the smallest paper ball, then toss it in the wastepaper bag. Want quiet time? Hold a five-minute silence contest. Need to get through errands in a hurry? Challenge your kids to a race against time. You may feel that your motives are transparent, but your kids won't care.

Broken Picture Telephone

Do you remember playing telephone as a kid? I know I do! It was always funny to be the one who started the chain, because then you got to see how much it got changed in the retelling.

This is an online version of that game with a twist! The twist is that it alternates between words and pictures.

The first thing you need to do to play is sign up. Don’t worry it’s free. Click the free sign up link at the top of the page to do so. Next you need to check the e-mail address that you provided when you filled out the registration form for your verification key. Once you’ve done that you can log in and get started by clicking Play the Game.

Once there you’ll have the option of Starting a New Game, or Joining an Existing Game. You can even set up private games, and if you have one waiting it will let you know.

Start a Game – this option allows you to set up the game. Every game starts with text, so you’ll have to create a message; as well as, choose if the game is public or private, how many screens there are, and whether the game is mature.

Join an Existing Game – here you can join and existing game and either draw or write the next square of the game.

It is very important that if you do not wish to see mature content (there are a lot of people there with their minds in the gutter) that you go to account settings and uncheck view mature. This will make sure you only see clean games. You can also set it up so you only draw or only write for the games you join. If you do run across something mature that didn’t get filtered out be sure to check in the mature filter above the drawing area.

This game can be super fun – give it a try!

http://www.brokenpicturetelephone.com/

~Amanda

Fun Christmas Activities and Games for Kids

Note: Christmas holiday resources can be found in two separate categories.

• Christmas Fun - Activities and games that promote the season of hope, love and charity through Santa Claus, St. Nick, and Kris Kringle.
• Religious Christian Christmas - Activities and games more religious in nature to remind us of the reason for the season...

Sudoku For Kids

For young Sudoku fans we have three 6x6 puzzles this week, our most popular size for children.

Sudoku for Kids

More Sudoku for Kids

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educational sites that will help to keep your kids entertained.

 
Of course I do! I'm so excited that you asked this question, because I think it's so great that you're already thinking about this for your grandkids. Summer is almost over and a lot of kids are going to be coming in from outside and they will be spending a lot more time on the computer. I know it seems like we've been doing a lot of back-to-school tips lately, but I think it's an important topic to cover. Plus, I know a lot of you have children and grandchildren of your own, so in the end, it benefits everyone!

Alright, let's get down to business. Today, I have 10 Web sites for you that are perfect for children ages K-12. Of course, there are several sites on the Web today that are good for children, but these are on the Top Ten list! So, go get your children or grandchildren, sit down at the computer together and begin your journey through these wonderful kid sites. Let's go!

1.) Starfall - First up is Starfall! This one is geared more toward younger children who may still be learning how to read. The site starts off with teaching a simple concept of learning letters and how to pronounce them. It then goes on to offer some interactive reading, word search puzzles and it even has some school plays you can watch. And even better, it does all of that without charging you for any books, videos or anything. How great is that?! Starfall also has free teaching journals that all of you parents and grandparents can use to follow right along with the kids! Check Starfall out for yourself right here.

2.) Kids.gov - This Web site is good for children of any age. It's basically an information portal that was created with kids in mind. The site consists of different links you can click on to visit both U.S. government and non-government sites. The sites are categorized by age groups and different subjects, so it's very easy to find exactly what you're looking for. On Kids.gov, you'll find links for over 1,200 Web sites with subjects ranging from government agencies, schools, organizations and so on. The site offers up art projects, games, math and so much more for younger children and for older children, it has links to technology, health and fitness, science and more. It's a perfect resource for all those school projects your kids will have to do this year as well! Check it out today by clicking here.

3.) Homework Spot - Next up is Homework Spot, which is one of the best homework helper sites available on the Web today. It covers homework related topics for all ages, including English, math, science, history, art music, technology, foreign languages, college prep, health, life skills, extracurricular activities and much, much more. So, if your child or grandchild is in need of some help on their homework, tell them to give this site a try. It's there just for them! Check it out here.

4.) Family Fun - School should be fun too and that's exactly what this Web site offers! Here you will find some non-school related topics, but they are still educational and helpful for children. For example, you can find ideas for cooking, planning parties, travel, arts and crafts and so on. This site also has a lot of games your children can play that will help them learn as well. There are also several how to videos on this site that you all can watch together to learn how to do some pretty fun stuff! Click here to visit Family Fun today!

5.) SciVee - Are your children or grandchildren way into science? If so, this site will be perfect for them. SciVee is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, along with SDSC's Supercomputer Center, and it basically aims to encourage students to publish their science fair papers and videos. So, if your little one comes up with a mind blowing science fair project idea in the near future, make sure they check out this site to enter it in for even more recognition! SciVee really has a cool thing going here. Check it out here.

6.) AOL Reference - If your children or grandchildren have to do a lot of research for their homework projects, they'll definitely want to check out this site. AOL Reference offers a dictionary, thesaurus, translator, world atlas, as well as, plenty of additional information on such subjects as science, history, space and global warming. It also takes Web searching to a whole new easy level. It's so simple to use and I just know your students will fall in love with it right away. Click here to take a peek at it for yourself!

7.) Seussville - By the name of this site, I bet you've already figured out that this one is geared more toward younger children, but either way, it definitely deserves a look see. Seussville calls in Dr. Seuss to aid in your children's learning. On this site, your children can play games, print out coloring sheets and they can even create their own book. This one is even good for children who cannot yet read. It's so cool, you've just got to check it out. Click here to do so!

8.) Creating Music - Do your students love music? If so, the Web site of Creating Music will surely entertain them. On this site, children can compose and play their own music. How awesome is that?! It's very easy to use and with just a couple clicks, they can make their own piano notes and they can even add in different musical instruments as they wish. For example, if they want to add in a brass instrument, they can easily do so. They can even alter the tempo themselves or play their music backwards for a fun new sound. This site isn't completely finished yet, but the material that is already on it is plenty to give your children something to do for hours! Check it out here.

9.) Surfnet Kids - If your young students are in need of some math help, Surfnet Kids can come to their rescue. On this site, kids can play endless electronic math games that will help them with their multiplication skills, along with other math skills. Surfnet Kids is the perfect substitute for flash cards and your children will enjoy it a whole lot more! Click here to check it out for yourself today.

10.) KidsClick - And last, but certainly not least is KidsClick. This Web site is the perfect search engine for grade school aged kids. This search engine features over 600 sources and with it, you can search under different themes and subjects. It even allows your children to search under the reading level they need, which definitely helps them to understand the material much better. With KidsClick, you can find results for reading, writing, arithmetic, computer learning, sports and recreation and so much more. This site was even developed by librarians, so you know it's good! Check it out here.

So, there you have it. Ten awesome sites that will surely help your students to have a spectacular school year. Give them a try today!

~ Erin

Confidence Games

by Catherine Pratt
www.Life-With-Confidence.com

Building your confidence doesn't have to be all hard work.
I thought it would be fun to give you some confidence games to play.

So, here are some crossword puzzles, word searches and word scrambles I've created all involving the theme of confidence.

All the clues and answers come from within the pages of this site, Life With Confidence. Enjoy!

Confidence Word Scrambles

Actions To Build Confidence
Some of the activities you need to take to build self confidence have been scrambled in this puzzle. When you're done, you can check your answers to see if you were right.

Here is a slightly easier version of the same word scramble. This version provides some of the missing letters to help you.

 

IQ and EQ Tests on the web - Web Directory

http://www.selfgrowth.com/test2.html

1. Aha! Puzzles
   New and fun creative puzzles with Aha! answers designed by Lloyd King, author of Test Your Creative Thinking and Amazing "Aha!" Puzzles.

2. CO2 Partners - Values Activity
   Each card has one core value labeled on it. You will sort them into five distinct piles from "Extremely Valued" to "No Value". Once completed, a report will be sent to your email reflecting the core values you have expressed and their priority of importance in your life.

3. Creativity Skills Test
   A test of skills that increase creative expression. Links to another test that measures the skills managers and teachers need to elicit creativity in other people. Scientifically validated. Developed by Dr. Robert Epstein, former Editor-in-Chief of Psychology Today magazine.

4. Free IQ and EQ Weekly Newsletters.
   SelfImprovementNewsletters.com provides weekly newsletters on IQ and EQ tests, accelerated learning, memory enhancement, self improvement, personal growth, goal setting, sales skills, more.

5. IQ Mind Brain Memory Self Improvement Library
   Improve Your IQ, Memory, Focus, Concentration, Creativity, Public Speaking, Reading Speed, Time Management and Even Stress Management. SUPERBOOST YOUR BRAIN POWER, OPTIMIZE YOUR IQ AND ENHANCE YOUR MENTAL ABILITIES TO THE FULLEST

6. IQ tests and IQ Test Trainer
   Two IQ tests and downloadable version of IQ Trainer- software that improves your IQ score up to 40%.
    
7. Maturity Test
   A free test for both adults and teens that looks at 14 different areas of skill and knowledge that are important for adult functioning. Scientifically validated. Developed by Dr. Robert Epstein, former Editor-in-Chief of Psychology Today magazine.
   
    
8. Mental Health Screening Test
   A free, 5-minute mental health screening test, based on the diagnostic manual used by therapists. The test will recommend whether someone might benefit by consulting with a mental health professional. Developed by Dr. Robert Epstein, former Editor-in-Chief of Psychology Today.

9. Motivation Skills Test
   A free test that measures the skills people need to help them stay active and motivated. Links to another test that measures the skills that managers and teachers need to motivate other people. Developed by Dr. Robert Epstein, former Editor-in-Chief of Psychology Today magazine.

10. Parenting Skills Test
    A free, comprehensive test that looks at 10 different skills that research says are important in raising health, happy, productive children. Scientifically validated. Developed by Dr. Robert Epstein, former Editor-in-Chief of Psychology Today magazine.

11. Relationship Skills Test
    A free, comprehensive test that looks at 7 different competencies that research says are important in longterm love relationships. Scientifically validated. Developed by Dr. Robert Epstein, former Editor-in-Chief of Psychology Today magazine.

12. Sexual Orientation Scale
    A free, scientifically-validated test that shows (a) where one is on the Sexual Orientation Continuum (between straight and gay), and (b) how much flexibility or choice one has in expressing one's sexual orientation. Developed by Dr. Robert Epstein. Available in 4 languages.

13. Stress Management Skills Test
    A free test that looks at 4 important competencies that are essential for managing stress. Links to another test that measures skills that managers and teachers need to help other people manage stress. Developed by Dr. Robert Epstein.
    
     
14. Test and Certification Guide at MyGoalManager.com
    Free education guide including test listings and definitions for major standardized tests. Create your personal educational goal plan with the Goal Setting and Achievement System

15. 3SmartCubes.com - IQ & Personality Tests
    Check out our range of PhD certified Personality, IQ, Aptitude & other Self-Assessment Tests. We also have loads of other fun tests that you would love.
    
     
16. AllTheTests.com
    IQ Tests

17. Another Free Brian Development Site
    Another Free Brian Development Site

18. Appraisal360: 360 Degree Feedback Staff Appraisal and Review
    Good quality feedback can help your people with personal development, leading to improved morale, self esteem and job satisfaction. Our products provide a unique approach to 360 feedback and one will be right for you - individual, personal development professional or employer

19. Are you a logical thinker?
    Are you a logical thinker? This puzzle is solved by only 1 in 20 (5%)! Takes only a minute to complete!
    
     
20. Bill Bultas Collection
    Puzz.com - Brain teasers, IQ tests, trivia, puzzles, and more for entertainment and mental stimulation.
     

21. Download a Kids IQ Test
    Download a Colorful and fun Kids IQ Test and test both overall intelligence and five different categories of intelligence.

22. Free IQ Tests
    Active Prospect

23. FunEducation
    This free IQ test is a premium psychometric exam and will measure your cognitive performance in several key areas including word analysis and spatial reasoning.

24. Genius Mindset Kit
    Unlock your inner Einstein, with this cheat's guide to genius!

25. Human Memory
    Human Memory

26. IQ Online
    You have already linked to our site, no 15 on http://www.selfgrowth.com/test.htm but the URL has changed.
    
     
27. Intershop.it
    culture - fair and non verbal IQ tests - Internet services on line
    
     
28. Ivy IQ Test
    The Ivy IQ Test provides a Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) that reflect's a person's overall intelligence. Underneath the FSIQ are two Composite Scores that provide further distinctions between a person's verbal and nonverbal/pragmatic intelligence. Five subtests give the clinician the opportunity to generate hypotheses about the person's processing strengths and weaknesses.

29. MyPersonality.info
    Personality and Multiple Intelligences tests and information with customizable result "badge" graphics and personality profile pages as well as group results.
    
     
30. Personality Quiz
    A variety of short personality tests that attempt to analyze your personality by interpreting your reactions to various events.
    
     
31. Romantic Love Quiz
    Consists of Love Quizzes, Free Fun Online Quizzes and Free Personality Quizzes.

32. ShrinkTank Web Site
    ShrinkTank Web Site
    
     
33. Success and Happiness Questionnaire and Free Self Help
    Free Success and Happiness Attributes Questionnaire (SHAQ) gives help for self-esteem, life skills,relationship,emotional,academic,and personality factors. Find your Happiness Quotient (HQ); correlates 0.80 with happiness. Psychologist Dr. Tom Stevens

34. Sudoku League
    Free online sudoku tournament. Play daily sudoku and improve your logical skills by playing a puzzle game.
    
     

35.  World's Quickest IQ Test
World's Quickest IQ Test

ahallati

Happy Puppy - GO - keep up to date with the top games including Nintendo, Dreamcast & web games.

GameSpot - GO - top gaming site from ZDNet with news, reviews, game guide, hints & much more.

GameCenter - GO - ground zero for hard core gamers.

Lucas Arts - GO - developers of Star Wars, Armed & Dangerous, Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom etc.

EA Games - GO - Electronic Arts - GO - developers behind Medal of Honor (MOH) see also Medal of Honor UK - MOH cheats for PC & MAC - other Allied Assult tips.

Game-Land - GO - astonishing array of shockwave games.

GameScene - GO - wide variety of cool games to keep the neurons firing.

Gamasutra - GO - top hub for game designers, artists, developers & producers.

Gamers Central - GO - explore the world of gaming.

GameSpy - GO - fun fun fun.

Gamers.com - GO - gamers resources, news & boards.

SGRL - GO - good PC gaming site for GameBoy, Sega, Playstation resources & gaming gear.

SGI - GO - freeware games from SGI.

FlipSide - GO - movie games, card games, party games, board games & more - in four languages.
 

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Alphabet Games and Number Games

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/alphabet_games.htm

See also Imagination Alphabet Coloring Pages NEW!

See also Alphabet Worksheets NEW!

This page is full of ideas for using our Alphabets and our Alphabet and Number Strips for learning alphabets and numbers as well as for playing alphabet games and number games. Ideas range from learning and recognising numbers and letters, to practicing alphabetical order and expanding vocabulary, so you should find something appropriate for all ages.

Use them in scrapbooks
Use them to decorate your scrapbook pages, or spell out your child's name on a school folder or workbook or file.

Make door signs
Children love to mark their own territory with their name on their bedroom door! Depending on age they can perhaps colour and cut their own sign, which can then be laminated for durability if you wish.

Make key rings, satchel tags
Print and laminate your child's initial, make a hole and attach to a key ring. Or use a ribbon or string to decorate a school bag or satchel so that your child will easily identify it.

Decorate bulletin boards
Teachers will come up with all sorts of ideas for using the alphabets on bulletin boards and around the classroom.

Learning the alphabet
Print out one of our alphabet strips and display it where little ones will see it all the time! You may want to choose lower case letters for the UK, as most children are introduced to these first. Go through the alphabet regularly, pointing to the letters and saying the sounds they make; of course you can also sing the alphabet song!

Alphabet flashcards
Our alphabets make wonderful flashcards. Choose one which will appeal to your child, and print onto coloured card if you like. Laminate for durability and you will be able to use it for all sorts of games in the future.

Play alphabet bingo
If you print one of the alphabet strips and leave it in sections, each section forms an easy alphabet bingo card for little children. Give each child one or two sections. Print out a matching set of alphabet cards and put them in the middle of the table. Take turns to choose an alphabet card and see if you have the matching letter on your bingo section. If you do you could cover it with the card, or with a counter. The first to fill their section completely is the winner.

Upper and lower case bingo
Both the penguin strip and the sweet heart strip have upper and lower case letters. Print out a set of lower case sections as the bingo cards, and print out the upper case letters onto individual alphabet cards. Play as above.

Editor's note: these bingo games are great games for mixed aged siblings to play together as the competitive element keeps the game fun for all ages.

Alphabet race
Print out one of the alphabet strips and use it as a game board. Have a counter for each player and a dice. Put the counters at the beginning of the board (that is, just before the "a") and let the youngest child roll and move their counter the appropriate number of spaces. Depending on the age of the child, you can adapt the game in many ways:

       when you land on a letter, you say the sound that the letter makes or move back x number of spaces

       when you land on a letter, you say the name of that letter or move back

       say a word which begins (or ends) with the letter you have landed on, or move back

       say a noun, adjective, verb, adverb etc which begins with the letter you have landed on, or move back

The winner is the first to reach "z"! This game is also very adaptable for different ages, as you can assign each child a task appropriate to their age and skill.

Editor's note: one of our readers used a set of sweet heart alphabet cards, printed out on different colours of paper, to create a game board within a file folder. In her game, therefore, the letters of the alphabet are in random order.

Alphabet scramble
Print out a set of alphabet cards and choose a combination which makes a word appropriate for your child's age. Scramble them up and have the child put them in the right order. You can make this game more energetic by "hiding" the cards around the room and telling the child how many cards he has to find. It is also a fun team game: use two different sets of alphabet cards and the kids will have great fun running around each other trying to find where their cards are hidden without giving away cards to the other team!

Alphabet trail
Create a trail of alphabet cards around the room (or house), spelling out a word or short sentence which the child will need to write down in a little notebook and present to you when he reaches the end. You can make this more difficult for older children by throwing in "extra" letters which he will need to identify and exclude.

Which letter is missing?
Lay out a set of alphabet cards in alphabetical order. While the children close their eyes, take one card away. On your command they open their eyes and identify which letter is missing.

Beginning, middle and end
Use a set of alphabet cards and 3 containers (bowls, paper plates etc) marked "beginning", "middle" and "end". Shuffle the cards and have the child turn them over one by one and place them in the appropriate container. Younger children could do this with the help of an alphabet strip.

Either side
Using a set of alphabet cards, turn one over at a time and try to identify as quickly as possible the letter before, the letter after, or both! Younger children could use an alphabet strip to help.

Alphabetical sort
Simply shuffle up a set of alphabet cards and put them back into order as quickly as possible.

How many words
Give each player a piece of paper and a pencil, and shuffle a pack of alphabet cards. Decide on a "theme" such as flowers, girls' names, cities etc. Turn the top card over and, in a given amount of time, see how many words you can write down which begin with that letter. You can control this game more by deciding after the card is turned over what the theme will be!

A shorter and easier (and noisier) variation of the game is to decide on a theme for the whole game, and to try to shout out an answer as quickly as possible for each letter. Perhaps the winner of each round could take a counter and at the end of the game the counters are tallied for the winner.

Alphabet magnets
You can use the printable alphabets to make magnets, by laminating them and attaching magnets to the back.

Change a letter
Choose a word and find the correct letters to assemble for your child. Challenge them to change the word to another by swapping one letter at a time. For example, change "cat" to "cot" to "cop" and so on.

Alphabet Go Fish
Print out two sets of alphabet cards (you could print one set of upper case and one set of lower case if appropriate) and deal five cards to each player. Place remaining cards in a stack face down in the middle of the table. Players check their hands for any pairs, and place them face up in front of them if they have any. The youngest player then asks a player of his choice whether he has a particular card. If he does, he must hand it over, and the pair can be placed on the table. If he doesn't, he says "Go Fish", and the first player must take a card from the centre pile. The winner is the first player to put all their cards down on the table.

Alphabet Old Maid
You need at least three players. Print out two sets of alphabet cards, and include one blank card too. Doctor the set so that there are enough cards for each player to have between 6 and 8 cards (less for younger players) and the pack is made up of pairs plus the extra card - you will have an odd number of cards! Shuffle and deal out the cards. Each player checks their hands for any pairs, and places them face up in front of them if they have any. The youngest player then turns to the player on his left, and takes a card (without looking at it!) from his hand. If it makes a pair with one in his hand, he can put it down on the table. Play continues around the circle until one player is left holding the odd card and is called the "Old Maid".

Alphabet Match up 
Print out and join together an alphabet strip of lower or upper case letters (laminate if required). Write the other case of letters onto a set of wooden clothes pegs (you can usually buy these very cheaply at a pound / dollar store). Ask your child to clip the clothes pegs at the correct place on the line.

Number match up 
Print out a number strip and join together as above. Draw a number of dots, or perhaps some easy sums, onto the clothes pegs, and ask your child to match the pegs to the correct number on the line.

Alphabet war 
Print out a set of alphabet cards. Deal them evenly between two players. Players turn over the first card on their pile simultaneously, and call out if their card is closer to the beginning (or end) of the alphabet. They take both cards. The winner has the most cards when the pack is completed.

Which is missing?
Make two copies (or how ever many you need) of alphabets and numbers.  Lay the cards in alphabetical or numerical order replacing one of the letter / number cards  with the ? card. Ask child to identify the missing letter or number. For older child, the number cards could be placed in skip counting sequence, backwards, etc. The letters could be used to spell words.

http://similarminds.com/myers-briggs-word.html

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Websites and Games for Brain Exercise

From Mark Stibich, Ph.D.,
Your Guide to Longevity.
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From Sudoku to handheld games, people young and old alike have been looking for ways to improve their mental functioning and prevent brain aging. This list has ten of the best games and websites to improve your mental fitness.

1) Nintendo's Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain?

This game is for the Nintendo DS player. Instead of keeping score, the game tests your brain and reports your "Brain Age" through a variety of mini-games such as math problems, counting, and Sudoku. The game keeps track of your speed and accuracy. Playing several minutes a day will lower your "Brain Age". This game is in the top ten in Japan and has sold millions. Price: $19.99.

2) MyBrainTrainer.com

The online "brain gym" costs $9.95 for four months. It is full of games, puzzles and other challenges to improve your mental fitness. The website recommends 10 minutes of brain training twice a day for the best effects. The website also has a 21-day basic training program which claims to improve your mental speed.

Sponsored Links

Ultimate Brain TrainerTrain your brain, increase IQ, & build more neural connections now!www.getiMusic.com

Free Kids Games GaloreThey're all here! Sports, Puzzles, Brain Teasers, Arcade games & more.Kaboose.com

Free mental assessmentHow good is your golf brain? New online mental skill programmewww.MindfocusForGolf.com

3) Happy Neuron

Happy Neuron is a website with games and activities divided into 5 critical brain areas: memory, attention, language, executive functions and visual/spatial. The website costs $9.95 a month and has a free trial offer so that you can see if you like the approach.

4) Crosswords

Crosswords are a classic brain trainer, accessing not only verbal language but memory from many dimensions of knowledge. Start with the Monday puzzle and work your way through the week as they get more difficult. Be patient, it takes a while to get used to 'crossword think' and how clues are presented.

5) Sudoku

Sudoku is a highly addictive number placement game that relies on memory. To complete a Sudoku puzzle you have to look ahead and follow trails of consequences -- if you put a 6 in this box, that one must be an 8 and this one a 4, etc. This "planning" helps improve short term memory and concentration.

6) The Brainwaves Center

This website provides free interactive brain training games. While the games are not as extensive as the online sites, you can get a good idea of how online brain training will work for you here.

7) Braingle

Claiming to have the world's largest collection of brain teasers, this free website provide more than 10,000 puzzles, games and other brain teasers as well as an online community of enthusiasts. You can even create your own puzzles to give your brain a super workout.

8) Queendom

Queendom is a completely addictive and free website that has thousands of personality tests and surveys. Queendom also has an extensive collection of "brain tools" for you to exercise and test your brain.

9) Brainbuilder.com

Founded in 2004, Brainbuilder.com offers cognitive exercises, an online "trainer", tracking of your brain progress, and baseline testing to provide comprehensive brain training. The fee for brainbuilder.com is 7.95 per month with a free 7-day trial offer available.

10) Sports

While online games may exercise your visual/spatial mind and other reasoning skills, don't forget about old-fashioned physical sports to keep your brain fit. Hitting balls, timing throws, and keeping your balance all give the brain a good workout. Find some fast-paced sports like tennis or ping-pong to keep both body and mind healthy.

Alphabetical List of All Tests on All IQ Tests - Our All IQ Tests site breaks the tests down by category, while this page lists and links all of the tests alphabetically.

More Automated IQ Tests - These tests will give you an estimated IQ score when you complete them.

Classic IQ Tests & Puzzles - Tons of material. None of these IQ tests or puzzle sets are automated, but you will find some of our best material here.

IQ Brain Teasers - Try the problems and submit your answers, then see how you compare with others. New teasers are added regularly.

Daily Puzzles - On this page you'll find links for new sudokus, crosswords, brain teasers, word searches, word jumbles, word crunches, jigsaws, SAT questions, and quotes EACH day of the week!

IQ Testers - IQ testers are challenging multiple choice brain teasers!

Random IQ Tests & Puzzles - Different IQ tests, riddles, brain teasers, mazes, trivia & more each time you refresh the pages!

Trivia IQ Tests - Trivia quizzes and trivia collections covering movies, sports, music, history, science fiction and more!

Riddles & Riddle IQ Tests - Tons of our world (in)famous riddles, including IQ tests that use riddles!

High IQ Societies - Are you smart and want to meet people online, perhaps offline as well? One or more of these groups may be for you. Included are a few societies dedicated to the creation and solving of various puzzles, some of the groups are completely free, and some of the societies have no entrance requirements (i.e. anyone can join who wants to).

Sudoku Puzzles - Tons of sudokus!

Crossword Puzzles - Oodles of crosswords!

Stickels Puzzles - EXCLUSIVE brain teasers by famous puzzle creator Terry Stickels. Try the problems and submit your answers, then see how you compare with others.

Stickels Frame Games - Frame Game brain teasers by Terry Stickels.

Cryptograms, Cryptoquotes & Cryptoquips - Tons of cryptos! Also free software to help you solve cryptos, and even an online group that tries to find the answers to ancient unsolved cryptograms!

Puzzle & Game Reviews, Homemade Games, Puzzle Solving Tools & More - Even more brain puzzling stuff.