Are games just for fun or can they be a great tool to enhance your homeschool program? “Let’s play a game!” The res-
ponse you get to this suggestion will be
much more enthusiastic than if you had
said, “Let’s do this work!”
Of course, we are talking here about
games that have an educational benefit for
the players. As you will see, however, the
advantage of using games like this is often
much more than just improving academic
skills. Let’s look at some reasons to include
games in your homeschool day.
1. Motivation
Games are synonymous with fun and
play! Just the mention of a game can
motivate a child to participate enthusi-
astically in a subject or topic he might
not normally enjoy. But the motivation
doesn’t stop at the mention of a game.
As children play, they remain enthusi-
astic, even though the main objective of
the game might be learning times tables
or practicing spelling. Children often
become so engaged that they don’t even
realize they are learning. Then, when the
game is over, they will often beg to play it
again and again.
2. Social Development
While playing a game, children learn to
follow rules, take turns, and wait patiently. Other vital social skills that are developed while playing games include cooperation, communication, sharing, good
sportsmanship, and conflict resolution.
3. Consolidating Skills and
Concepts
As their social skills develop, children
will also develop their academic skills.
Games can also help to develop a deeper
understanding of concepts. A game might
require students to use their existing
knowledge or skills in different ways. This
change of perspective will often deepen
their understanding of the concept.
4. Accelerate Learning
While games can be used to consolidate
skills, some games will help you achieve
quicker results than traditional work. As
children play a game, they may be re-
quired to repeat certain skills. While this
might be tedious if done in a workbook
or on pencil and paper, the game format
makes this task much more interesting
and can help a child master this skill
much faster.
5. Extend and Challenge
Some games may encourage children to
do more than they have covered in the
curriculum. A game can be a safe place to
try more advanced skills. For example, in
a game of Scrabble®, children might try
to spell words that are above their skill
level. In a math game, they may want to
try working with larger numbers.
6. Logical Thinking and Creative
Thinking
There are many different games that
can be used to practice and review basic
skills and concepts, but some games require children to do more. Many games
require a form of problem solving or
strategic thinking. In some games, players may need to use strategy to plan their
Let’s Play!
7 Great Reasons to Add Games to Your
Elementary Homeschool Program
by Teresa Evans
Educational games provide so much
more than just a break from the routine.
