Tenzi & 77 Ways to Play Tenzi (Review)

The folks at Timberdoodle sent us a fun new product to review.   Behold, the Tenzi game ($13.95) and the 77 Ways to Play Tenzi Card Deck ($9.95).  The abbreviated review would be, LOVE IT!   However, I'm thinking I should probably expound a bit.

The basic premise is that you have a tube of 4 different colors of dice, 10 dice per color.  Players (up to 4 at a time) race to roll all the same dice before yelling "TENZI!"   This is fun for younger kids as they learn to recognize numbers and work with hand eye coordination.   You can also do math challenges, such as all 10 dice must add up to the number 37; or each pair of dice must equal 9. 

That general description sounds a bit bland.  But then when you start adding your own variations, or the crazy combinations offered in the 77 Ways to Play Tenzi pack, then things can quickly get hysterical.   For example, one of the cards require you to do things like clap your hands after every roll, or make a funny noise after every roll.   For the pirate lovers among us, close one eye and say "argh" after each roll.  There are also cards that have specific number patterns you have to build, which are a lot harder than it sounds.

While it may sound simple, you can tell by the photo below it does challenge your brain.   I believe this was the "Call out a cartoon character between every roll" card.  Apparently cartoons are harder than one might think.

What we did was shuffle the deck of cards, and then played through the entire deck.   Most of the cards list fast games, but every now and then you get one that takes a little longer.   Even working through the entire deck it only took us about 45 minutes.  That 45 minutes was full of fun and laughter.  This is DEFINITELY one we're adding to the top 5 list for family game night.

Both Tenzi and 77 Ways to Play are part of the complete 2nd Grade Curriculum Kit from Timberdoodle, or you can purchase both items separately,but I highly recommend buying both the game and the cards together.   You can thank me later!


I received this product free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  I did not receive any other compensation, nor was I required to write a positive review.

Jeopardy – Homeschool Style

Reviewing facts can be pretty boring, both for the student and the parent, but it’s a necessary part of learning.  I decided to make this unpleasant necessity as much fun as possible, so I came up with my own version of  the game “Jeopardy”.

It’s pretty simple in theory.  I purchased a tri-fold display board and some colorful index cards.   I then glued the bottom and sides of each card onto the board, leaving the top open. When the glue was dry, I went back an added monetary amounts to each row. There you have the basis for any type of review.

When ready to play the game, simply write out the questions and answers on other cards and insert them long-ways into the monetary pocket.   Use sticky notes at the top of each column to let the students know what that category is (people, dates, math facts…the possibilities are limitless).

Give each kid, or team of kids a bell or noise maker, and then play the game just like they do on TV.   Prizes like miniature candy bars or stickers are a great incentive for the winning team.

This handy dandy little contraption is getting a lot of use here in our homeschool, and will be making the journey to co-op with us this week as well.