I Spy

I Spy is a guessing game that can be played with two or more players. It can be a fantastic way to distract your kids when there is waiting to be done and they have nothing else to occupy them. This game is often played inside a car, although it can also be played in waiting rooms, parking lots, around the house, in restaurants, and in airports. One of the pitfalls of playing in a car is that the scenery can go by too quickly for players to guess. Read on to find out how to use this game when you’ve got time to kill.

Starting the Game

The first step is choosing the player who goes first. If the game is being played in a noncompetitive setting, players may simply alternate turns. If not, skill or chance games such as rock, paper, scissors can be used to decide who becomes the spy first. The spy mentally selects an object that is visible to all players in their immediate surroundings. The choice of object should not be revealed to the other players. The spy then chooses a characteristic of the chosen object and uses it as a hint for the other players to guess. For instance, the spy might say, “I spy with my little eye something that is grey,” or “I spy with my little eye, something that is heavy.” The spy can focus on color, shape, sound, starting letter, or any other characteristic.

eye spy1During Play

The spy is not permitted to change the object she has chosen throughout the game. This is ensured because the players ask questions about the characteristics of the object which the spy has to answer. If the object does not match the characteristics described earlier in the game, it is safe to suggest that the object was changed part-way through. If the object is no longer visible to viewers at some point in the game, it is considered invalid. Decide before you start playing the game where and what kind of objects may be chosen in order to prevent confusion. For instance, if you’re driving in a car, settle on objects either outside or inside the car.

eye spy3Guessing

During the game, the other players are allowed to try to guess the object by asking questions. The questions must be yes or no questions. Questions that require other responses need not be answered by the spy, who may simply give a yes or no answer to each question. In other versions, the spy gives clues such as “hot” or “cold” when the players are guessing near or far to the target, respectively. If the players cannot guess, the spy may offer additional hints or clues. One the object has been identified, the player who guessed it becomes the spy for the next round and the game restarts.

Benefits

I spy is a simple and intellectually stimulating game to help children learn about the world around them. For many children, it is one of the first games they learn to play. It doesn’t require any equipment or materials and can be played with any number of people, except one. The game also gives children a chance to practice listening and speaking skills. Try teaching it to your kids today.