Participating in your child’s education is an essential part of parenting. And yet, there are times when you sit down to help them with their homework only to realize that you have forgotten which part of the sentence is the subject and which is the participle, or that you have no idea of the appropriate usage of a semi-colon, or that their eighth-grade math is more advanced than what you learned in high school. Did you even know that Pluto is no longer considered a planet? Advances in both what children learn and the methods employed to impart information have made it increasingly difficult for many parents to lend a hand when it comes to educating their children. And yet, there is way to connect with your child in the academic arena while engaging in some meaningful family time; and if falls under the heading of board games. Here are a few you may want to check out.
- Scrabble. Every child can benefit from improved spelling and vocabulary, so bust out the dictionary and get cracking with a game of Scrabble. Chances are good that everyone involved will learn a few new words and the game also encourages the utilization of math skills to suss out which combinations will garner the most points per word.
- Monopoly. This old-school classic is so much fun that kids won’t even realize they are engaged in learning valuable lessons about how to use currency while practicing simple mathematics. Plus, it can give them a healthy aversion to spending time in the clink (do not pass go, do not collect $200).
- Trivial Pursuit. The wonderful thing about Trivial Pursuit (aside from the fact that it deals in both entertainment and academic trivia) is that there are an astounding number of iterations to appeal to every player. Not only can you purchase several different junior and family editions that will allow everyone in the household to partake, there are also editions and supplemental card packs specifically devoted to regional history and geography, certain time periods, sports, pop culture, and travel. This may just be the best all-around educational game on the market and it allows you to play individually or in teams.
- Where in the World? This geographical game includes names, locations, and factual information on 196 countries around the globe, laid out on six regional maps. Send your kid off to school with a detailed knowledge of the many countries that make up our planet or use it to help them prepare for geography tests down the road.
- Shakespeare: The Bard Game. This game is unique in that it challenges players to be creative while they learn about both history and the business of running an Elizabethan theater. The basic premise of the game centers around procuring Shakespearean scripts, assembling actors, collecting props, and putting on a play (with help or hindrance from the Fates). Even better, it includes Shakespearean trivia right along with speech recitation and improvisation (skills that will no doubt benefit your children when they are inevitable called up to give a presentation to the class).
[Lisa Kendricks writes for Medical Assistant Schools. You can look for a medical assistant job description that’s right for you.]
If you have come to this blog looking for some educational inspiration for your family we invite you to check out our listing of the best private and independent schools in North America.
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