Do you use games in your homeschool? We sure do!
I consider games to be an important part of our homeschool routine. Today, I am going to share how you can use games in your homeschool to build relationships, connect with your children, make memories, have fun, and learn in the process!
How to Use Games in Your Homeschool
If you’ve been following our site for any length of time, you’re already fully aware that we are a bit game obsessed over here. Among the biggest of homeschooling perks in my world is the fact that our family is able to play games frequently. We don’t have to try to squeeze in a family game night on an already jam-packed weekend, but rather we can play daily and sometimes multiple times daily if we desire. Board games are an integral part of our homeschool routine.
Children are doing so much more than simply having fun when they are engaged in play. Playing games works on a host of skills, including:
- Verbal communication
- Self-regulation
- Turn-taking
- Sharing
- Listening
- Cooperation
- Focus and attention
- Following directions
- Creativity
- Social skills
- Learning to handle wins and losses
- Cognitive skills such as counting, color/shape/pattern recognition, strategy, problem solving, early literacy, etc.
Play is the science of childhood. Children learn how to navigate their world through play. And, when parents play alongside their children, they have the opportunity to work on those precious social skills while having fun. Playing a game presents many opportunities for teachable moments and you are building relationships and making memories in the process! While direct instruction of social skills has its place, there is something to be said for the hands-on, experiential learning that playing games together provides.
Looking for ways to pair high-quality read alouds with educational games in your homeschool?
Check out this post:
This week I’ll be sharing some of our family’s absolute favorites! Be sure to check back here, folks, because I’ll be adding one new link each day!
And here is a guide to selecting the perfect games to use in your homeschool:
Fantastic games to use in your homeschool, listed by subject:
6 Amazing Math Games
Do you think that math can’t be fun? Think again! Here are six fantastically-fun math games for your homeschool or game closet. Your children will be having such a blast that they won’t realize they are growing those math skills!
One-Player Games that Kids Love
Let’s be honest… as much as I love a good board game, there are times when I cannot play due to various obligations, from work to laundry to bills. One-player games come in quite handy on these occasions, and also when you need a little quiet time. These are some of our family’s absolute favorites.
Non-Competitive Games for Non-Competitive Kids
Temperament is an interesting thing, is it not? Some folks are born competitive while others balk at the thought of competition. Do you have a non-competitive child in your family? I am raising my hand, folks! Here are some of our favorite non-competitive, cooperative games!
Games that Promote Logic and Reasoning
IÂ love logic games, always have and always will. Let me tell you, that proverbial apple does not fall far, folks! My kids love logic games, too. Here are some of our family’s favorites.
Classic Games for the Kid in You
These are the games that transport you back to your 5-year-old self. What is your favorite classic game?? And, be sure to check out how we use one classic to improve our understanding of map skills!
Games that Teach Map Skills
Take your Geography lessons to the next level by adding some fun board games to reinforce key concepts!
Games that Encourage Imagination and Creativity
These are the games that inspire conversation, imagination, and creativity. Boost those story-telling skills and encourage outside-of-the-box thinking with these favorites.
Gift-Worthy Games
When birthdays and holidays roll around, I love to give books and games. Board games are an affordable supplement to your homeschool curriculum. At less than the cost of a movie ticket, games are the perfect gift as they will provide years of family memories and learning. Here are our favorite gift-worthy games!
Do you love Gameschooling?
I rely heavily on educational games in our homeschool. Read more here:
Now, I’d love to hear from YOU! Do you use games in your homeschool? Share here!
This post has been a part of the iHomeschool Network Summer 2015 Hopscotch. Click the image below to continue to other fantastic series.
What subject do you put games under? Core or non-core?
Depends on the game. Some are math, some are history, some are not clearly defined. I love including play in our routine.
Spot It (we got our’s in a Chick-fil-a kid’s meal) and Find-It-Fast ($1 bin at Target; uses sight words similar to Spot it). My son loves both!
I haven’t tried this yet, but my hippie/back to our roots/massage therapist self plans to buy this: http://learningherbs.com/wildcraft/#wildcraft_intro. It is so important for kids to understand the world around them, where things truly come from, and even some basic survival skills. I do not even know everything on this game and am excited to learn with our 4 year old! We even made and are maintaining a small family garden. Seems like a good science application too!
These are great games! Love that you got Spot It in a meal- such a fun one!
A really great list Caitlin, I love your posts and play is so important!!
Thank you so much, Jen! <3
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I fully agree play is a big part of homeschooling and this article really helped me. As a home schooling mum you sometimes need external ideas to keep things fresh so great article and thanks.
Thanks for reading <3
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