I've been doing so much school planning lately, I must just be stuck in list mode! So, without further ado, here is a list of 10 educational games that my husband and I have enjoyed playing with our children over the years:
1. Sum Swamp
Sum Swamp is definitely my very favorite early learning game to teach addition and subtraction facts. You can read my full review of Sum Swamp at Curriculum Choice.
2. Buy It Right
Buy It Right is my favorite game to teach children about counting money, making purchases, and giving back correct change. I have written a full review of Buy It Right that will be posted on Curriculum Choice at the end of this month.
3. Brain Box - All Around the USA
Brain Box-All Around the USA is a fast-paced, easy-to-play game that helps children (and adults) learn facts about all 50 states and the District of Columbia. I particularly like that the game takes exactly 10 minutes - we actually set the timer on the microwave. When the beeper sounds, whoever has the most cards wins. In addition to learning facts about the states, Brain Box also helps with paying attention to details and remembering them.Brain Box - All Around the USA is only one of several games in the Brain Box design. While we don't have any of the others, I would like to get Brain Box: U.S. Presidents when we study American History again.
4. Sequence for Kids
Sequence for Kids is a fabulous game to play with younger children. Our box is so beaten up, you can barely see the top of it through all of the duct tape. Sequence for Kids teaches strategy in addition to memory skills and matching skills. Once children outgrow Sequence for Kids they can easily transition into one of the Sequence games for older children and adults.
5. Sequence States and Capitals
Speaking of Sequence games for older children, Sequence States and Capitals is played just like Sequence for Kids but the added dimension of working with the states and capitals is added to make the game more challenging and educational.
6. Scrambled States
Another favorite educational game that is focused on geography skills is Scrambled States. This game has been such a huge hit with all of the children and the adults in our house. One of my favorite aspects of this game is that through playing, children (and adults) learn about borders around states and the distance between states.
7. Stare Junior
I have to admit that I am HORRIBLE at this game! My youngest can beat me soundly and completely every time we play. My husband is a much better Stare Junior player than I am. Regardless, this is an educational game that is enjoyed by all.
Stare Junior is wonderful for improving visual memory skills. The game is simple enough - you have 30 seconds to look at a detailed image and then you have to answer questions about the image. This game really makes you think. I really like this educational game because the adults are not at an advantage simply because of their age. Actually, I think age and failing memory may be a disadvantage!
8. Guess Who?
Guess Who? is definitely for the younger end of the age spectrum. As well, if adults are playing with children, the adults really do have an unfair advantage. Having said that, this game is great for building reasoning abilities in young children. My children often played this game with each other (and sometimes still do).
9. Yahtzee
Yahtzee - definitely a classic - and still great for math skills, strategy skills, and pure fun. Yahtzee is a great game for children and adults to play together since the aspect of luck factors in which helps to level the playing field between adults and children.
10. Disney Scene It?
OK, so Disney Scene It? isn't incredibly educational BUT it is a game the whole family enjoys. With the DVD component, it's also quite a bit different than the board games we usually play. And, they do have to read some questions - that's educational!
So, that's my list of 10 educational games that we have enjoyed (and still enjoy) here at our house. What educational games or just plain fun family games do you enjoy playing with your family?
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