Review Your Favorite or Least Favorite Game
Play a favorite or least favorite game, then write and record a short review describing gameplay, what you liked or disliked, and improvement ideas.
About this activity
Play a favorite or least favorite game, then write and record a short review describing gameplay, what you liked or disliked, and improvement ideas.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather your game and your paper and pencil and tell an adult you will need help for recording.
- 2
Step 2
Decide if you will review your favorite game or your least favorite game.
- 3
Step 3
Play at least one full round or play for 20 minutes so you really know how it works.
- 4
Step 4
While you play, write three short notes about the game: what the goal is; one way to play; one thing that surprised you.
- 5
Step 5
Write a title for your review and a two-sentence summary that says if you liked the game and why.
- 6
Step 6
Write one short paragraph (3–4 sentences) that describes the gameplay and how a turn works.
- 7
Step 7
Write one short paragraph (2–3 sentences) about what you liked and what you disliked.
- 8
Step 8
Write one short paragraph (1–2 sentences) with at least two ideas for how the game could be better.
- 9
Step 9
Use your colouring materials to draw a small picture from the game or give it a 1–5 star rating.
- 10
Step 10
Practice reading your review aloud two times so it sounds clear and friendly.
- 11
Step 11
Ask an adult to help you record your review and then record it while you read or speak naturally.
- 12
Step 12
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I guide my child to review their favorite or least favorite game?
Start by having the child play the chosen game for a short session, then take simple notes about gameplay, goals, and memorable moments. Use prompts like “What was the goal?”, “What did you like or dislike?”, and “How would you change it?” Help them write a 1–3 paragraph script and practice once before recording a 30–90 second audio or video review. Encourage honesty and constructive ideas, and keep the process fun and pressure-free.
What materials do we need to review a game and record it?
You’ll need the game itself (board, card, console, or app), paper and pencil or a printable review sheet, and a simple timer. For recording, use a smartphone, tablet, or basic camera with enough storage. Optional items: stickers for ratings, props, and headphones for clearer audio. Parents should have parental controls set up and a quiet space prepared. If planning to upload reviews, get permission and check safe account settings first.
What ages is a game review activity suitable for?
This activity works for preschoolers with heavy adult help (ages 4–5), elementary children with guided writing and short recordings (ages 6–9), and older kids who can write and edit independently (10+). Tailor prompts: preschoolers give simple verbal likes/dislikes, younger school-age kids list pros and cons, and tweens add improvement ideas and comparisons. Always supervise online sharing regardless of age and simplify steps for younger children.
What are the benefits and safety tips for having children review games?
Writing and recording game reviews builds critical thinking, vocabulary, communication, and media literacy while encouraging constructive feedback and creativity. It helps kids reflect on what makes play enjoyable or frustrating. Safety tips: don’t share personal details, disable location, review privacy settings before uploading, limit screen time, and get parental permission for public posts. Teach respectful language and model how to give kind, specific suggestions for improvement.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of paper, pencils, colouring materials, or an adult to help record?
If you don't have paper or pencils, use a tablet, phone notes app, or whiteboard to type or draw your three notes and title, use the phone's camera or voice memo to record the review, and if an adult isn't available ask an older sibling or teacher to press record since the instructions say you'll need help for recording.
I'm having trouble remembering details while I play or can't play for 20 minutes—what should I do?
If you can't play 20 minutes, play one full round as the instructions allow, set a timer, jot quick bullet notes during turns about the goal, a way to play, and what surprised you, and ask the adult to scribe so you capture the details.
How should we change the activity for younger kids or older kids?
For younger kids (ages 4–6) let them dictate the three short notes and the paragraphs to an adult and draw the picture instead of writing, while older kids (10+) can write longer paragraphs, compare two games, or make a short video review when they record.
Any ideas to make the review more fun or to improve the game?
Make a short video showing a clip of gameplay while you read your two-sentence summary, create a colourful 1–5 star poster with your colouring materials, and add at least two house-rule suggestions in the 'how the game could be better' paragraph before sharing on DIY.org.