Having four kiddos out of the nest often makes me melancholy, wishing I could go back in time. If I could do it all over again I would play more games, sing more songs, and tell more stories for my homeschooling, with those older ones. Alas, I can’t bring time back. So I’m gameschooling every day to make up for those regrets.

This week I’m excited to share the game Snake Oil with you, after playing it with my youngest two. It’s a super fun game that flexes your language arts and acting muscles.

The goal is to be the best salesman. Each salesman win cards by persuading the person who plays the customer that he or she needs your item you are selling. The customer draws a card from the customer deck. These cards say things like “rock star,” “cowboy,” “Santa,” “prison guard,” or “pro wrestler.” Then the salesman uses two of the cards in his or her or hand, combining the two nouns to create an item you think the customer, with that specific character type, needs. The customer hears every salesman’s sales pitch and then decides who gets his or her vote.

It’s such a simple idea that opens up your time and space for lots of laughter. It’s interesting to hear what the different personalities come up with. I ended up winning with my “banana horn” that I sold to Santa, and my “closet alligator” for the prison guard, plus more that I don’t remember. I love this game because it’s so easy to learn, it moves quickly, and helps you get to know people. So I give it 5 out of 5 stars!