Types of Games

There are basically five types of games. Board games and card games are what most people think about when you say "let's play a game, but sometimes you might want to try a different type.

Board Games and card games - The most common type of game. Played on a board or with special cards. These include games like chess, checkers, go fish, and spades. Dice games would also be in this category.

Physical games – This would include sports and old favorites. Not just football and soccer, but hide and seek, tag, Frisbee, and hop scotch. Scavenger hunts, charades, role playing and dress up would also come under this category.

Video games – Video and computer games are effective for learning because they provide instant feedback, increased attention time for many children, and a variety of subjects. Also, many “educational” computer games are nothing more than a entertainment video game with a few facts scattered among the levels of play.

Homemade games – These games are sometimes old favorites and sometimes brand new. Rhyming games or stair counting with your preschooler would be examples. Math fact practice using Cheerios or file folder board games with your elementary child is another. Children who like making educational games are immersed in a learning experience as they deal with organization, rule making, and product promotion. Homemade games are often customized to fit the educational needs and interests of a particular family.

Paper and Pencil - Including crosswords, word finds, logic puzzles, Mad Libs and Soduku. These can be worked together or alone. Again, an older child creating these types of games for others is a terrific learning experience.

Which of these fun educational games will you use in your homeschool?

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