“For every job that must be done there is an element of fun, find the fun and snap! The job's a game!” -Mary Poppins
Board games are an entertaining and easy way to encourage learning. As educators and parents, we know that getting children engaged is the first challenge on the road to meaningful learning. Beyond engagement, research describes the increased learning that occurs when children play games with intrinsic value. Games are a perfect way to engage learners and practice essential skills. They are excellent brain breaks, too! Board games promote the relaxed and alert state of mind in which learning happens best. Below are some of our favorite learning games. Games with an asterisk are our household favorites! Language Arts: Apples to Apples - vocabulary, grammar, reasoning (11+) Listography - writing, critical thinking, collaboration (9+) Bananagrams - spelling, vocabulary, spatial thinking (8+) *Mad Libs - parts of speech, story telling, reading (5+) Scrabble - analytical thinking, concentration, creativity, spelling (10+) Math: Mobi - arithmetic, cooperation, visual processing, sequential thought, recognition, identification, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills (5+) Sorry - strategic thinking, problem solving, cooperation, concentration (6+) *Qwirkle - spacial recognition, planning, patterns, problem solving (5+) Zeus on the Loose - arithmetic, strategic thinking (8+) Buy it Right - money recognition, adding, making correct change, decimals (5+) Social Studies: *Timeline Classic- reviewing history, practicing chronological reasoning, making historical connections (8+) *Ticket to Ride - learning states and capitals (other locations and time periods depending on version), measuring distance, strategic thinking (8+) Scrambled States - United States geography, observation, hand-eye coordination, visual discrimination, language riddles (8+) Science: *Brain Builders - fine-motor, strategy, physics, basic engineering skills (7+) Wildcraft - teaches 27 important healing herbs and edible plants, teamwork (5+) Timeline Inventions - history of science, chronological thinking (8+) When we slow down and play games with our kids, we let them know that lifelong playful learning is enriching and worthwhile. In The Brave Learner, Julie Bogart reminds readers that, “Whenever a child asks you to play a game with them, drop the agenda and play!” Let that advice guide you this week and tell us what happens! Homeschool Journey Guides are here to help you find creative and playful ways to teach and learn. Contact us for customized homeschool plans and support.
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Wildheart Nature School’s homeschool classes are for families who want their children to feel deeply connected to the natural world.
Wildheart Nature School has been a very special part of our lives in Central Oregon. As homeschoolers, it took us a little while to find school-aged friends for our kiddo. Wildheart was our connection to the community and the place where our son made his first Oregonian friends. The positive changes in our son after one week of summer camp were extreme. He is a very cautious person. On Monday, balancing on the log to cross the river was terrifying and he needed his counselor Brenden to hold his hands all the way. By Friday, he was running across the log without any help! He could identify the local plants and animal tracks, he taught his dad and me new games and songs, and he is still very proud of his Wildheart Nature Name. Wildheart has become special, not just to our son, but to our whole family. The staff at Wildheart are exceptional. Our child bonded with his counselors on a level that I never expected and they have stayed in contact with our family over the years. At Wildheart, our children get to spend time outdoors learning, playing, and exploring. Research shows that time outside benefits our children's emotional health, physical health, social development, and their happiness. Wildheart offers programs specifically for homeschool families with children ages 6 to 12. If you didn’t get into a fall class, don’t worry! They have new opportunities beginning in January. In the Homeschool classes children will…
For more information, and to sign up for Wildheart Nature School, visit their website. Homeschool Journey Guides are here to help you find homeschool programs that fit your vision and your child's interests. Contact us for customized homeschool plans and support. Homeschool parents ask homeschool coaches one question more than any other: What can we do to make sure that learners are tuned-in? Even the most creative homeschool families will have days that just fall flat, but research and experience tell us that there are easy-to-apply tips that can help: A: Make it ACTIVE Sometimes learners need to move! Research on moving while learning demonstrates that exercise and movement stimulate nerve growth and have an impact on children’s ability to learn. Try to incorporate movement and physical activity into lessons. Examples include:
E: EXPLORE together Authentic, first-hand, sensory experiences like field trips engage students in learning. Fortunately, homeschool field trips involve much less advanced planning than school field trips! Focus in on learning objectives and translate them into a memorable experience. Local examples include:
I: INTEREST-Based Learning We know that learners engage better when learning is meaningful and relevant to them. Connect whatever your children are learning to their interests. We use this method more than any other! Examples from our practice include:
O: OPTIONS If what you’re doing isn’t working, there is always another way. Even with the most creative teaching approaches, most students need options that focus on learning objectives over learning mechanism. Some of our favorite ideas include:
U: UNSCHOOL it Unschooling is a popular choice for homeschoolers that involves allowing a child’s natural curiosity to drive learning. Remember that summer when your child, without prompting, dove into an amazing craft project, stack of books, or elaborate LEGO sculpture? That was unschooling! While unschooling full-time isn’t a match for every family, sometimes a subject is enough of a struggle that you have to put your relationship with your child first and take a break while you figure out a more productive approach. During these times, unschooling can be a lifesaver. Let the curriculum go and find ways to allow casual family activities intersect with learning. Let your child’s interests lead and turn on a documentary, take a hike, break out the art supplies, visit a museum, check out some library books, learn a new board game, download a language app, or embrace any other activity your child gravitates toward in their free time. Trust your child to know what they need to learn and give yourself time to figure out what homeschooling should look like for your family. For some families, unschooling might be the place you land. And sometimes Y...Understand WHY
Sometimes there a is a genuine issue that contributes to reluctance to learn. If your instincts tell you that extra support is needed, early intervention is helpful. The sooner you can identify concerns related to sensory processing, hearing, speech, vision, anxiety, or other issues, the sooner you can get your child (and you!) connected to the services and support needed. Experts in our community can share solid strategies that will help your child engage in learning. Your child’s pediatrician is a great starting point for resources and information. Homeschool Journey Guides are here to help you implement these strategies and others. Contact us for customized homeschool plans and support. |
AuthorJenny and Sara Jo help families fi nd joy and academic success in the journey of K-8 secular home education in Central Oregon and beyond. Archives
March 2021
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