Felt Board Game Teaches Kids About Interconnection

How to Teach Kids About Interconnection with a Felt Board Game

Looking for a fun educational activity that teaches interconnection and mindfulness to young children? This felt board game helps kids understand how people, nature, and everyday objects work together in a playful, hands-on way.

What You’ll Need for This Activity

• A felt board (or large piece of felt as a base)
• Felt cut-outs of:
  • Nature elements (sun, rain, clouds, corn plants)
  • People (farmers, truck drivers, parents, grandparents, children)
  • Objects (tractors, trucks, plates, bowls)
• Optional: Corn-based snacks (like corn chips) for a sensory connection

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Felt Board Game

1. Set up the activity: Spread all felt pieces on a table near the felt board
2. Start the story: Place the first piece (e.g., corn plant) on the board
3. Invite participation: Have children select pieces one by one
4. Build connections: As each child adds a piece, discuss its relationship to the growing scene
5. Reinforce learning: Use guiding questions like "How does the sun help the corn grow?"
6. Conclude with reflection: Discuss how all elements work together

Educational Benefits of This Interconnection Game

• Teaches systems thinking through visual storytelling
• Develops language skills as children explain connections
• Promotes mindfulness about food sources and community
• Encourages teamwork through collaborative building

Extension Activity: The Snack Connection

For a multisensory experience:
- Serve corn-based snacks during the activity
- Discuss the journey from farm to table
- Connect back to the felt pieces they placed earlier

This simple early childhood education activity makes complex concepts accessible while keeping kids engaged. It originally appeared in Awaken magazine as a Mindfulness Parenting Tip and remains a valuable tool for parents and educators alike.