Gameschooling has been a game-changer for us and we love it! We discovered gameschooling sort of by accident. Our family has always loved playing games together, but using them to teach was a whole different animal.
There are lots of myths about gameschooling. For example, there’s a myth that gameschooling is taking the easy way out and another myth that you can’t really gameschool if you’re homeschooling an only child. While I wish it was true that gameschooling is easier, in some ways it’s not. Thankfully, it’s not true that you can’t gameschool with an only child either. In fact, we are loving gameschooling with our daughter Emily!
Keep reading to learn more about our top game recommendations for gameplay and how to make gameschooling easy with an only child. Plus, discover the truth behind the myths about gameschooling an only child this year.
Myths About Gameschooling An Only Child
There are some myths about gameschooling, especially when it comes to gameschooling an only child. For example, there’s a misconception that gameschooling is all games all day. It’s not, or at least it doesn’t have to be. It’s ok for gameschooling to be something you do all the time and it’s ok to take a break and do other things too.
Gameschooling is “Easy”
Another popular gameschooling myth is that it’s easier. This myth goes something like “playing games all day sounds easy and not like real work.” The truth is that while there are all kinds of games for a wide variety of subjects (We have even found games to help your kids learn about ecosystems and art history!), finding great games you can play with only a few people can be quite difficult at times.
When it’s hard to find a game you can play with just two people, gameschooling can be challenging. However, it’s still totally possible to gameschool even if you have to search a bit harder for a two-player game you love.
Games aren’t fun with only 2 players
Have you ever played a game that’s more fun with more people? One of our favorite games, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, is fun with just 2 players but it’s a lot more fun with extra people.
There are some games like that, but there are also lots of awesome games that are more fun with only two players. For example, we like Ticket to Ride better with fewer players because it’s more challenging the more players you add.
Any time you spend playing a game is fun, you just have to be willing to get creative and find games that play well with fewer people. Sometimes that means adapting the rules and sometimes it just means choosing games for 2 or more players.
How To Easily Play Games With An Only Child
How can you make playing games with an only child easy? Which games work best for gameschooling an only child? Here’s what I look for when I’m choosing games to play in our homeschool:
Single Player Games
These are games your only child can play by themselves. There are lots of great logic and puzzle games that fit this category. I like to use these types of games for strewing, learning lunch, and at times when I can’t play a game with Emily.
Find Great 2 Player Games
It’s totally worth searching for great two-player games your family will love. Sure, they can be a bit harder to find sometimes but it’s totally worth it when you find a game you could play all afternoon without batting an eye.
Involve the Whole Family
We love our family game night! It’s a great way to build a stronger connection with your child and play games that are more fun with extra players too. Getting grandparents involved in gameschooling is another fun option for adding extra players.
Use Technology, If You Must
I know what you’re thinking. What about too much screen time? I hear you and I agree.
But, there’s something to be said for board games and card games that engage everyone in a way that’s real and tangible. However, when you must, you can play games over Zoom. Check out my guide on Gameschooling Virtually for more tips and tricks.
Top Game Recommendations for Playing With An Only Child
Sometimes it’s difficult to find games that play well with fewer people, but here are my top recommendations for games to play with an only child. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these games with your homeschoolers and share your thoughts in the comments section.
Single Player Games
Two-Player Games
Additional Resources For Homeschooling An Only Child
Homeschooling an only child can come with its own unique advantages and challenges too. Can it be done? Of course!
This journey has been a wonderful adventure and we wouldn’t have it any other way. If you’re still trying to wrap your head around the journey or looking for help with some of the challenges you may face homeschooling an only child, you can read more with these resources:
Can I Really Homeschool an Only Child?
Homeschooling an Only Child & Socialization
When Homeschooling an Only Child is Hard
Homeschooling an Only Child for the First Time…
Jessica Waldock is a writer, photographer, and homeschool mom of one living in sunny Florida. She founded The Waldock Way as a way to give back to the homeschool community that she loves so much. At The Waldock Way Jessica shares tips, tricks, inspiration, and unique resources that help ignite a love of learning in children that will last a lifetime. She inspires families to engage in homeschooling as a lifestyle where relationships come first and interested led learning prevails. Jessica also has a fabulous collection of unit studies on her website and shares generously on her YouTube channel.
