Enjoying Educational Games
Ranked #3,356 in Hobbies, Games & Toys, #38,374 overall
Let's Play an Educational Game Together!
What do kids do best? Play of course. Why not encourage this natural tendency by providing your children with great entertaining games that just happen to be educational as well.
Educational Games such as Mancala and Set teach math concepts. Go Fish and Concentration are educational card games that can be adapted to teach anything from sight words, to math concepts to learning a second language. There are educational games to teach number theory, cooperation, and social studies.
With such difficult times in the economy now this Christmas would be a great time to stock up on some games to play at home with friends and family.
Roll the dice and join the fun!
Games in School
Photo Credit: Playing Cranium
on Flickr, Creative Commons.
Children play games to practice reading skills, math facts, strategy, logical thinking and many other skills that are not measured on standardized tests.
Games Day
In Boston, Homeschoolers meet for Games Day about once a month.Each family brings their favorite board game to share.
A couple of kids play Mancala while another looks on discussing the strategies and math behind the game. Four more are sitting at a table playing the aMAZEing Labyrinth and wondering about the Minotaur of Greek Mythology. All around the room kids are having fun, sharing knowledge and playing with their friends.
The following are some of the best games we have run across. Please let me know about your favorites in the comments section below.
Photo Credit: Dungeons and Dragons Game
on Wikimedia Commons
Math Games make number theory accessable to young and old
The Family Game of Visual Perception
About Set® Game
Marsha Jean Falco
- The Creative Genius Behind The Set® Game
The Set® Game
is becoming a phenomenon! It seems everybody is playing it. Who would have thought? said Marsha of the game she invented it for her own amusement in 1974. She introduced it to the outside world 17 years later in 1991.
From her work as a Population Geneticist trying to understand if epilepsy in German Shepherds is inherited, Marsha developed a sets of cards to keep track of the information that she was gathering. Because blocks of the information were the same on each file card, rather than writing the data, she drew a symbol to represent a block of data. She used symbols with different properties to indicate different gene combinations.
The game developed as Marsha tried to explain to her colleagues how she managed the data. On day it occurred to her that she could make a game from her cards. The rules of the game developed while playing the game at home with her husband and friends
Years later, her daughter and son, who enjoyed playing it very much, urged her to put the game in stores. Now The Set® Game
has become very popular. Board Games
The glass beads for Mancala feel smooth and make a tinkly sound when counting and dropping them into the pits. Practice strategy and counting skills.
Set requires you to quickly recognize like and unlike attributes.
Pit is the loudest and most fun game for 7 players. Not as much fun for less players.
Go Fish and Concentration
These may be the most adaptable games ever invented!
Make a deck of matching cards to match whatever theme you are studing and start playing and learning. Match-pictures to words
-Titles to authors
-pictures to first letters or last letters
-baby animals to mothers
Teach these games to children and they will be able to independantly work on all those skills and facts that we have been trying to teach them. Play these games in any language to help promote oral language skills in a fun and natural setting.
Pass the Pigs
Great Educational game for New Year's Eve or Christmas Parties
One New Year's Eve a friend brought over the game Pass the Pigs
.I'm not quite sure what makes shaking up and tossing those cute little pigs around so hilarious but we just couldn't stop laughing. This is a must have game for a great party or just to pass some time.
Educationally it's good for practicing adding and multiplying the scores.
Pit
A Great Educational Game for Christmas
It is the loudest and most fun game you could imagine. Best played with 7 players, it can be played with as few as 3. For larger parties just get more sets of cards.
Loud, fast-paces and lots of fun!
Loudest Board Game Competition!
Pit is a loud Stock Market Game
Everyone plays at once shouting and trading cards. Gather 7 friends. The Deluxe Pit
's Open and it's time to trade cards...
Board Games
Harvest Time
is a great game to play throughout the whole year. The games starts with planting vegetables in the spring and goes on to harvest them in the fall, trying to get your crops in before winter comes. Everyone helps eachother and wins together or loses to winter.After teaching the children to play these games I like to make them available to take home in Take Home Literacy Bags.
Board Games in the News!
- Board games 'boost early maths skills'
Playing four 15-minute sessions of board games such as Snakes and Ladders Gamecan improve a child's mathematical abilities significantly, according to a study of four and five-year-olds. And the improvement in numerical tests is still measurable nine weeks later.
- Literacy board games for school beginners improve their visual discrimination
- An action research was undertaken to find the effect of literacy board games on the visual discrimination competence of first graders.
Supplies for making games
The Squidoo Game
Games are fun and educational
Photo Credit: Focus
on Flickr, Creative Commons.
Which kind of games do you like to play?
Board and Card Games
Julia says:
you should have middle school recess
AllPurposePapoon says:
My family has always been a huge fan of Monopoly. Since we have a young daughter we choose to play on themed Monopoly boards. Our favorite one is The Peanuts gang.
hlkljgk says:
mostly more interactive games - pass the pigs, apples to apples...
Wednesday_Elf says:
Playing Solitaire, for instance, on the computer can be fun to pass the time occasionally, but NOTHING beats the fun and socializing that board games and card games bring. You're not going to 'laugh out loud' entertaining yourself alone on a computer, but you will as part of a group playing games together! And when you play games with children, in addition to being educational for them, it's teaching them social skills, sharing, and patience (when waiting for their turn!).
Mart903 says:
I like Computer games; however, I prefer board and Card games because it usually involves more direct interaction between participants, thus being a more social thing, you may say.
Jimmie says:
We play lots of hands on games, especially for teaching math. It hides the learning in lots of fun.
I recommend Scrambled States game for learning USA geography.
JaguarJulie says:
Ha, funny you should ask this question -- I am all about computers for nearly everything EXCEPT for board games! Hmmm, funny isn't it?
shazia says:
board
nilamdoc says:
Bridge
beeobrien says:
We love to play mancala, Risk, Uno and lots of others. Wii is also fun for the family.
cherangelry says:
Even though I'm always on the computer, I've never been good at gaming on them. Board/card games are much more my style. There are, however, some very fun educational computer games that I still hold near and dear to my heart.
Becca_Sanz says:
I love all kinds of games but especially Mancala and Monopoly.
blue22d says:
Scrabble. Love your lens. I have a 13 month old granddaughter and will be keeping me eye on this lens to see what I can pull to use with her. Thanks for the great lenses you produce.
Jimmie says:
Sorry, Monopoly, Uno, Skip Bo, Dominoes, Guess Who, Scrambled States. We enjoy board and card games. Computer games are okay, but they are too solitary. Family game night is around the table, laughing and having fun!
Computer Games
cynthia says:
when i was young i play the monopoly game.because its a challenge for me making a lot of money
cynthia says:
i say monopoly
kendra says:
educational games
CleanerLife says:
Now I play computer games like Civilization, or Tetris, but when I was younger I loved board games like Monopoly, Stratego and Chess.
mulberry says:
I grew up playing board and card games and loved them. My interest in card games faded but I still like board games and computer games.
spirituality says:
I play at squidoo, and having soo much fun :) Seriously - I belong to the 25% of the Dutch population who does not play computer games regularly.
ali says:
monopoly
Don't Bother Me Mom - I'm Learning
What are your kids learning while playing on the computer?
We all worry about how much time our children are attached to the computer but in his book Don't Bother Me Mom - I'm Learning by Marc Prensky, Marc points out Not only do game players learn all these thinking, collaboration and other skills, but they begin to acquire them at a very early age.
Books of Games
Some of these books tell how to play the games. Some tell how to make the games. Use these for ideas and then adapt them to the theme that you are studying. Check out my other lenses for ideas.
Favorite Games
Vote for your favorite games.
Game Boards from Excavations at Ur, Iraq, Middle East
Buy at AllPosters.com
If you can't find your favorite just add it to the bottom of the list.
Dominion Intrigue
Dominion Intrigue is a fun game. more...0 points
Rural Games on the Verge of Extinction
Pagade: An Indian Board Game
The traditional indoor board games of India, as well as outdoor games are on way to extinction, said Prof. R. Vasantha. She has carried out research on various games which were popular and extensively played in the distant past.
The game 'Pagade,' played by people in all regions of the country for several centuries, was on the verge of disappearance.
Many of the traditional games were not limited fun and enjoyment. They were a means to learn, understand and apply principles of arithmetic and geometry.
These traditional games demand sharp intellect and serve as tests of one's fortunes in winning them with skill. Some games such as Alaguli, Pagade (game of dice) and Huli-Kuri Aata test the mental capacities of the players. Research is being carried out on their intrinsic value of these games to serve as teaching aids for young children, she said. She praised the efforts of Ramsons Pratishtana in reviving people's in the traditional games.
Educational Board Games from India
- Traditional Board Games from India
- Games of yore from the Online edition of India's National Newspaper Sunday, Nov 14, 2004
Board Games from India
Hopscotch
Active ways to learn Math and Reading skills
- Yuletopia - Where Falcon soars
- One boy's favorite outdoor games is hopscotch. He jumps from block to block, shouting out the words written on the blocks as he goes. When he reaches the end, he throws his arms up in the air exclaiming "Yay!" as loudly as he can.
Computer Games: Oldies but Goodies
Wii
Indoor Games to Keep you Fit
Photo Credit: Wii Logo
on Flickr, Creative Commons.
Play computer games and still get some exercise! What a great idea!
this summer and we have been addicted ever since. Spacial relationships, geometry, strategy and logic, this game has it all.More Oldies but Goodies
Photo Credit: Bingo game for Summer Reading
on Flickr, Creative Commons.
These are the games that taught my children to read, spell and write. They are great for homeschoolers.
More Great Educational Computer Games
Learn Math, Science, Logic and Social Studies
Cooperative Board Games on eBay
Educational Games for Christmas
Playing games with your children will keep them busy and interacting with the family instead of isolated on the computer.
Board Games In the News!
Photo Credit: Korea 2010 at the boardgame cafe
on Flickr, Creative Commons
Have you ever heard of Board Game Cafes? They are popular in Costa Rica for playing Magic. Below you will find a link to Board Games in Asia.
- Latest Boardgame Happenings
- The community for boardgamers in Asia playing the latest Euro Designer boardgames
- Newburg Middle students create a buzz with games | courier-journal | The Courier-Journal
About three weeks ago, seventh-graders in Kristen Gallagher's science class at Newburg Middle School were finishing a lesson about electricity and were asked to create board games. But not just any kind of board game -- they had to be electricity-based and either buzz, light up or spin.- Snakes & Lattes
- Snakes & Lattes is the first board game cafe in Toronto with 1500+ games and specialty treats!
Dice
- DiceCollector.com's PAPER DICE TEMPLATES
- Templates for making your own dice. Not all are cubes and not all have numbers. Includes phases of the moon, world map, and playing cards.
Let's Play a Game in the Woods
Photo Credit: Outdoor Educational Games
on Flickr, Creative Commons
There is a new group being formed in Squidooville. It's called A Walk in the Woods. Whitefoot the Wood Mouse is inviting you to join him there. If you are a member of Squidoo and you may join the group. The exposure that your lens gets by joining will boost your lens rank and add to the number of web pages linking back to your lens. If you are not yet a member of Squidoo you can still come over and read about those who are. Come take A Walk in the Woods.
Educational Games and Activities
Articles and Unit Studies with lots of Teaching Ideas
Educational Games is in the Stone Stoup Homeschooling Online Unit Study Directory
Thank you to the Four Wheelers for having included the Educational Games in their directory. This directory has now been passed on to Stone Soup Homeschooling.
- Unit Studies: Stone Soup Homeschool Network - Stone Soup Homeschool Network
- Stone Soup Homeschool Network Ages and Stages We are very excited to be entrusted with this rather comprehensive Unit Study Database. It was started many years ago, and maintained for the last decade by the Wheel
Who's Talking about Educational Games?
-
- nidtmot
- Cat Bingo Educational Game: Cat Bingo. Game contains 42 calling cards with detailed information about each chara... http://t.co/PO6gF701
-
- iphone_App_Hr
- Zoo Sounds - Fun Educational Games for Kids. http://t.co/1IbxNAIk
-
- HomeJobs8
- Rainbow Reading Games: Print Over 200 Colorful And Educational Reading Games And Phonics Games http://t.co/4vDZ0olY
-
- bjtracey
- I need to start doing more educational games with Ally to tick yes to this list:http://t.co/b5eBqSP4 #kindergarten #child #development
-
- heaveniphonecom
- Murtiki: Description MURTIKI – educational app for learning alphabets with logical and memory improvement games... http://t.co/hnBr6cZ2
What have you learned by playing games?
How do you use games to teach your children?
Please let my know by leaving a comment here. Tell me about your favorite game or teaching idea. Don't forget the stars at the top and if you lensroll this page or add it to your favorites please let me know so that I can reciprocate.
-
-
Mart903
Nov 25, 2011 @ 12:14 am | delete
- Hi, Evelyn!
I want to take a moment on this day to thank you here on one of my favorite of your lenses, for you were the first fellow lensmaster to welcome me in Squidoo and directly offered to help me with issues about my lenses, and so you did. I truly appreciate it and always remember it. I hope you've had a happy thanksgiving !!.. And as you say,..
Happy Squidooing !!
-
-
-
akumar46
May 20, 2011 @ 1:42 am | delete
- Edugames are learning with lots of fun...Nice lens.
-
-
-
AllPurposePapoon
Jan 18, 2011 @ 12:16 am | delete
- One of the greatest aspect of playing a game is creating a strategy and counter-strategy. I believe this type of thinking really stimulates the brain and can help you in real life situations. This is a great lense, and I marked it down as a like.
-
-
-
MarkUpshaw Dec 23, 2010 @ 6:06 pm | delete
- I loved, absolutely loved playing games as a child. Now, my children play video games and although I think it is great too, it feels different, the interaction is very different.
-
-
-
ChapelHillFiddler
Sep 13, 2010 @ 12:14 am | delete
- I generally hate games, but I am fond of "Pass the Pigs." There are other things I'd try, too. Thanks. And, blessed!
-
-
-
hlkljgk Sep 9, 2010 @ 2:22 pm | delete
- we use games to introduce deeper concepts in a super fun way. pass the pigs is just too much fun for any age! :)
-
-
-
ChapelHillFiddler
Sep 8, 2010 @ 12:44 pm | delete
- I generally hate games and competition but I'm quite fond of "Pass the Pigs" and look forward to having grandchildren so I can play it with them!
-
-
-
Aug 25, 2010 @ 2:04 am | delete
- Games of all types can be great family activities
Keep it up a good work!
-
-
-
tonygoat
May 27, 2010 @ 7:07 pm | delete
- Perhaps not the first idea that comes into mind when playing games with children, but war board games (read more from my lens) can well be played together by children and adults. They can teach history, situation analysis, negotiation etc... And for adults they're fare more interesting than simple children's games :)
-
-
-
Wednesday_Elf
May 10, 2010 @ 10:46 am | delete
- I've loved playing board games and card games since childhood. My favorite all time board game is Scrabble -- I love word games. My family has always been card players -- we love all kinds of card games, from the Canasta I used to play with my grandmother as a child, to the Uno and War card games I now play with my grandchildren! Besides being fun, it's delightful to realize that playing board games and card games can also be educational!
*Lensrolled to my Games and Puzzles lens.
-
-
-
Mart903
Feb 22, 2010 @ 7:30 pm | delete
- Hi Evelyn! : )
I've always loved board and card games for entertainment and as a means to socialize. Adding the educational aspect to the fun, makes it all more convenient and productive. : )) Congratulations, Evelyn, on this great lens! 5 stars.
-
-
-
Evelyn_Saenz
Feb 23, 2010 @ 8:01 am | delete
- Isn't it wonderful to know that you that the games you play are also educational?
-
-
-
Mart903
Feb 23, 2010 @ 11:56 am | delete
- It is, indeed! : ))
-
-
-
TimeHacker
Mar 19, 2009 @ 2:31 am | delete
- Very nice resource, I must return to this lens once I have children :) 5*
-
-
-
JaguarJulie Mar 17, 2009 @ 4:51 pm | delete
- Evelyn, quite a nice lens of educational games! Your lenses are always quite complete and quite interesting! Thanks for the lensroll of my board games lens. Quite a comprehensive lensroll! ;)
-
-
-
marsha32 Jan 29, 2009 @ 10:09 pm | delete
- I love educational games, just ask my children and grandchildren LOL
-
-
-
andyajsb Jan 23, 2009 @ 1:13 am | delete
- brilliant lens! Just the sort of things I have been looking for. Keep up the good work!
-
-
-
Mortira
Sep 28, 2008 @ 10:24 am | delete
- Wonderful lens! Games and learning go together so well - it's too bad every grade can't be like kindergarten! *****
-
-
-
Teddi14
Sep 21, 2008 @ 5:18 pm | delete
- I love games. I am a teacher and my students love playing games too.
-
-
-
kab
Aug 17, 2008 @ 12:46 pm | delete
- Encore - the game of song lyrics. You pull a card with a word on it and your team must think of a song with that word in the lyrics - you go back and forth with another team until one team can't think of a song. If you stump the other team, you score.
-
- Load More
Follow EvelynSaenz on Twitter
Meet the Author of this Lens
Educational Games in the Kingdom of Squid
Come write about educational games on Wizzley, a fun and easy place to express your opinion:
by Evelyn_Saenz
My passion is teaching and finding ways to teach children in fun, hands-on, creative ways. The unit studies I make on Squidoo reflect my view that learning... more »
- 255 featured lenses
- Winner of 26 trophies!
- Top lens » Frog Unit Study: Hopping to Learn
Explore related pages
- I Love Teaching Math I Love Teaching Math
- Evelyn Saenz: Lensography of a Teacher Evelyn Saenz: Lensography of a Teacher
- Natural Math Manipulatives Natural Math Manipulatives
- Hands-on Math Activities Hands-on Math Activities
- Pre-Algebra Games and Fun Pre-Algebra Games and Fun
- Roll the Dice Math Games! Roll the Dice Math Games!
Educational Games
Our favorite Educational Board Games
![Dungeons and Dragons Game]("http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dungeons_and_Dragons_game.jpg""){kind=link}