Games for School? Heck Yeah!

One sure-fire way to keep the learning going in our household when my brain is *fried* is to whip out some educational games.  I always keep gameschooling (yes, it's a real thing) in my back pocket for days when we need a hard RESET because of math tears, sibling squabbles, or when we all just need a break from traditional curriculum and workbooks.

In today's post, I'd like to introduce the concept of gameschooling (if it is new for you) and give you a myriad of ideas involving some of our favorite ways to incorporate games in our homeschool learning.  There are many blog posts (like this one by Caitlin Curley, the gameschooling queen) that speak at length about this if you want to learn more!

One of my favorite ways to incorporate gameschooling is with the subject of math.  This works great for days when my youngest just can't stomach doing another page in her workbook or completing a computer assignment, and yet I don't want her to go a day or two without practicing her math skills.  Some of her favorite games include Sum Swamp, Math Dice Junior, and Money Bags.  These games are a non-threatening way to practice arithmetic, counting money, and making change.  My older kids really enjoy Prime Climb, which helps them practice factors, multiples, and prime numbers.

Money Bags

Prime Climb

The kids also enjoy logic games that can be played by one person; these are a great choice when the kids need space apart from each other, or when only one person is in the mood to play a game. Two of my son's favorite one-player logic puzzles are Rush Hour Junior, and IQ. (These games also make fantastic and portable options for doctor's office appointments or for waiting times at restaurants!).

Another way I love to use games in our homeschooling is to introduce the kids to different cultures.  While there is nothing particularly *educational* about some of these games (although, I'd argue that every game includes a wealth of learning opportunities, such as learning how to take turns, follow directions, exhibit good sportsmanship, etc), they do the important work of introducing the culture of a particular country--its native animals, food, geography, etc--to the kids, making it less foreign and more approachable to them.  Games in this category include Takenoko (set in Japan--don't let the panda fool you!), Tokaido (also set in Japan), Istanbul, and Ticket to Ride Asia, among many others.

Speaking of the Ticket to Ride games, there are many games that help to introduce and reinforce geography in our homeschool!  We play the United States, European, and Asian versions of Ticket to Ride (there are many more versions available), and we are currently enjoying the game Roar: King of the Pride, since we are studying the continent of Africa this year.

Roar: King of the Pride

History is another subject that is just brimming with gameschooling possibilities.  My son loves Blue Max, a World War 1 aviation-themed game, and Memoir 44, which is set in Normandy Beach on D-Day.  (Side note: I was amazed at how many aircrafts my kids recognized when we took a field trip to the Udvar-Hazy Center a few years ago, all of which were in the Blue Max game!).  One fast and easy (and nostalgic!) game is The Oregon Trail card game.  We also plan to pull out Egyptians again as we study Africa this year (it worked well for our Ancient History studies a few years back).

I also use games in the area of science, as well.  We are currently studying birds, so these bird-themed games have been an easy go-to when we need a break from the books or outdoor nature study. (Games pictured: Birds of a Feather, Bird Bingo (series), and Backyard Birds)

Much to my surprise, I have been pleased to see the kids make up their OWN games this year!  We have enjoyed playing them (full disclosure: some have more straight-forward and sensible rules than others...) as a family, too.  

Sunshine's Game (11 years old)

Princess's Game (7 years old)

This past weekend, my husband and son hand-crafted a Chinese checkers game set out of wood.  They had enjoyed playing on my parents' set during a recent visit with them, and decided to work together to build one using scrap wood and left-over stain from another project.  (Glad I didn't throw out those marbles when the kids were tired of them!)  The entire project came together quite beautifully, in my opinion!  Way to go, guys!
 

Now, I realize that games can be a big financial investment, but you'd be surprised at how quickly your family can build a *great* collection when you give other family members birthday and Christmas gift ideas, or when you scourer your local thrift shops and yard sales.  Your community might also have a local game shop where you can play open-copy games regularly.  We make it a priority to go to our local game store for their monthly game-and-cookie nights (or you can always invite a few friends and neighbors over and start your own regular game night!).  (*Note: many prices associated with the game links in this post are NOT what we paid! Watch Amazon for fluctuating prices, as well as other suppliers, especially near the holidays)

Well, I hope that this post has provided you with lots of ideas about incorporating games into your homeschooling days, or just into your family life, in general!  Games are a GREAT way to build memories together as a family, cross generational barriers with the grandparents, and as I hope I've thoroughly explained, introduce a lot of fun and meaningful learning into your day!