A few simple rules for playing games and a peek at a great new website!
Games of all kinds are great for every family, whether they homeschool or not. Games help children develop so many skills, from reading and math to teamwork and sportsmanship.
Kids tend to love to play the same games over and over. Repetition is good for children. At our house right now, card games rule. There are several that are in constant play. However, there is a big difference in the way a five year old plays and the way his nine year old big brother plays. Sometimes Mom does more refereeing that playing along!
Here are some simple rules for game time:
- Make sure there are age-appropriate games for each one of your children
- Make sure they clearly understand the rules of the game they choose to play
- Emphasize graciousness in winning and in losing. All parties must say "good job" at the end of the game
- The game will be put away when finished
Although games are good for children to play amongst themselves, parents should join in when they can, too. Spend some time playing a game with your child.
Summer is a great time to add a new game or two to your game library. I try to budget a little money for games a couple of times a year, or buy a really neat game for a child's birthday. The interest in a new game usually far outlives the interest in the newest plastic toy!
One of my newest favorite websites to find games to buy is Bright Pennies. This web store is aimed at gifted children and their families, but don't be scared away by that. I find many homeschooled children, whether gifted or not, share characteristics with gifted learners. For example, homeschooled children are often able to "think outside the box" like gifted learners. Bright Pennies offers many games, puzzles, and books for all kind of learners. One of the best things - you can shop according to the Theory of Multiple Intelligences! I love this feature, as I always find things for my kids I never would have thought of before! Bright Pennies also offers a neat way to fundraise for groups, like homeschool coops. Simply register as a group, get a group code, then whenever anyone in your group buys there using the code, you earn a little money. Be sure to check this site out!
So play lots, learn lots, and most of all, have fun!
