As homeschooling parents, we want to utilize every tool in the toolbox to help our children master their subjects. We seek high and low to find the best of what works. No one loves your children like you do, right? I know that’s true for me. Sometimes, try as we may, we overlook the important for the urgent.
When our children were babies, we inherently played with them to teach them to coo and smile, laugh and communicate. We purchased special toys to build their cognitive, motor and language skills. What changed when they reached elementary school? Aren’t we still trying to help them master skills?
I am not saying books and study are not important – they are, BUT, let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. We can have a fun, active and educational day using all the tools that work and then slowing down to play a good old-fashioned family game.
I am constantly searching the web for new ideas. I came across a website called My Little Poppies with an article discussing this very subject. This woman lives for games! She did such a great job highlighting games and how you can use games to drive home all sorts of skills like:
- 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.
This is a must-see website if you are looking for fun ways to drive lessons home. Have fun and make memories!
Enjoy!
