Christmas games ideas for 6 year old with very little English & over 80s??

[Jane054848]

Our Christmas day this year is with my immediate family (DH + DS12 & DS14), our Ukrainian houseguests F30 and 6 year old boy, who both have very limited English, and 5 grandparents/great aunts etc, all between 85 and 95, some with poor mobility. Conversation may not exactly flow due to language barriers, deafness, family tensions, etc!

We normally play some games, but I'm struggling to think of any we can easily explain to and play with the Ukrainians but which aren't too active for the grandparents... any ideas???

Thank you!

Wow! That's quite some combination. But I'm sure a lot of fun together will be had, even if a lot of gestures and acting out to compensate for language.

I would think that visual/drawing-based games would suit most? As bypasses any need for complex language.

Pictionary sort of thing? But obviously based on universal, simple objects.

Have a great Christmas, whatever you decide on.

Blokus, Dominoes, Triominoes as there are so many you might need to get a couple of sets though but think Dominoes have a universal appeal for all ages.

Would Bingo work? If the Ukrainian mum knows the rules already, it would obviously make it a bit easier! Show the boy and mum the numbers as they are called, so that they can find them on their card, and maybe get them to practise how to say the numbers in English and the English speakers have a go at the Ukrainian version.
Dominoes would probably work, maybe two games going on at once.
Something to do with making plasticine models of things. I can't remember the name of the game, or the rules, but someone else might be able to help!
Jenga, again not everyone playing at the same time.

Yes! These are great ideas. The dough game is called Rapido, we do have it, and could make some special cards with both Ukranian and English words on. Same with pictionary. Could do the same for bingo and get the translations of the numbers in advance. Dominos and Jenga also a great call, have both of those. Thanks all!

Have a look at the brand Haba, German company that I think some of their childrens or family games would work for the age ranges. Most of them are quite simple so language shouldn't be a major issue. They also sell their games all across Europe so if you contact the company you might even be able to get a pdf or something of game rules in Ukrainian. Hope you manage to find something.
Haba Amazon Store

Haba Website

I think Jenga is a good idea and similarly kerplunk.

Uno? (The card game)
This has been a great cross generational game in our family.
Agree the classics such as dominos and simple card game with a normal pack (chase the ace etc) would be good too

Dog bingo? There are quite a few variants (cats, beetles, you name it).

www.johnlewis.com/dog-bingo/p3328694?s_ppc=2dx92700071680099425_mixed_home_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4uCcBhDdARIsAH5jyUlZQxXbleDACVaZtRVmnvE13kRkQLIrxhc1Exm53dSm_s3kKBvKWSEaAlKREALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

You don't need great English because you can look at the pictures, it's simple enough for a 6yo but still very good fun and quite competitive.

Dobble?

Newmarket

Please don't do bingo or numbers games that move quite fast, unless the caller does the translation.
I'm decent at numbers in DHs language, but the thought of bingo makes me feel quite weak.

Board games that you can find a Ukrainian version of the rules online? I'm wondering about labyrinth, along with loads of excellent suggestions above.

Several packs of cards - can your guests teach a game they have played in the Ukraine?

Given the numbers of people, I'm wondering if you can have several games to appeal to different people. I think you have too many people for many traditional games that will translate well.

Jigsaws?

Dobble
Qwirkle

Beetle drive always popular in our house, can adapt it to be a snowman or Santa easily.

Buckaroo.

All brilliant ideas, thank you so much. Lots of these I have but had forgotten about as the kids got older. I will look into Newmarket, Quirkle and Haba which are new to me. Thanks again!

Pop up Pirate.

Dobble

Jenga would be great.

Snap with giant playing cards

I think the Elefun butterfly catching game is brilliant - tiny kids love it but all ages could have a go. About £20. It has a long elephant's trunk that inflates and blows out butterflies which you catch in nets. It's very gentle but satisfying.

This game is brilliant. I teach EAL but also volunteer in a care home and it’s great for everyone. This is the pirate version but I think there’s a similar one about princesses:

www.amazon.co.uk/Djeco-Playing-DJECOCards-Pirataka-Multicolour/dp/B00OXJ79BW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_mod_primary_new?crid=1AA37PO4HHNHB&keywords=djeco+piratatak&qid=1670955575&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=piratatak%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1

dobble is also good.

We have a cooperative game called Outfoxed that all ages seem to like! Frustration doesn't need language either. Classic snakes and ladders?
Seconding kerplunk, Jenga, pop up pirate.
Maybe also activities like building an epic marble run or brio track!

I'd do games like Connect 4, Trouble (or Ludo) I like the dice in a dome. Snap, Uno, Memory match.

Labyrinth and Jenga

Pairs and snap with cards, snakes and ladders

Connect 4.

Snap, uno, pass the pigs