“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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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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