How to Build a Play House
Play House is a fun and engaging board game that gets your kids moving, using their imagination and helping them develop strong executive functioning. This is a key part of successful academic performance and being able to work well in the workforce.
The game is played by two teams of players who start out in the basement and move up through each room of the house. The first team to reach the attic wins. Along the way they must complete a series of tasks such as answering the phone, washing dishes, picking up homework and so on. There are also family rooms that if you land on (meal time, tv room, help find lost keys etc) you have to go into them as a team and participate.
There are also bonus cards that give you additional tasks to complete such as a trivia quiz or a word puzzle. Some of the tasks are not very difficult while others may require a lot of thought or creativity. The game is designed to be as easy or as hard as you want it to be.
Another cool thing about this game is that it can be modified to fit your group. This is something that people often do with roleplaying games but can be done with board games as well. When you do this you are making rulings that go beyond the rules of the game and can add to the fun and excitement of playing it. This is often done intentionally but can also be unintentional. For example a game could be played differently when new players join your group and you decide to change the rules to accommodate them.
To build a Play House, use sand and flat paving stones to construct a level base for the joists. After the joists are in place, install windows using the nailing flange on the bottom and fasten to the wall with roofing nails. The sand and pavers should be added to any low spots on the frame.
The final step is to install the roof. To do this, roll out the roof sheeting and secure with staples. Then cover with shingles starting at the bottom edge and working your way up. This will keep your Play House dry in any weather.
If you are interested in building a Play House or learning more about the project please contact the Habitat MidOhio office and we will be happy to assist you. We also have a program that allows you to sponsor a single build and raise funds for our local families in need right here in Central Ohio. Habitat staff and volunteer leadership will be on hand all day to guide your group through the build. This will be a great experience for your group and a rewarding one for the children who will receive their new homes. To find out more about this unique opportunity click here.