So many of us have got a kid who struggles to sit still long enough to concentrate on maths, spelling or other key learning areas. Hand them a list of times tables or sight words to learn and you can practically see the eyes glaze over. Some kids just don’t want to learn that way.
Using the kids’ favourite board games to add a huge fun injection to everyday learning may just be the breakthrough they need. Board games are already an excellent learning tool (check out our list of seven key skills board games teach our kids), but we’ve rounded up some clever ideas for modifying the games they love to bring some play-based learning into their day. Have a browse through the slideshow to find out more (click the ‘+’ button if you’re browsing on your phone or tablet).
Pin for later:
Ways to use board games for play-based learning - AU
-
1. Addition with Twister
Make learning sums active and enjoyable using your Twister board. The game is fast-paced, helping kids learn how to add up fast too. Find out how to play this clever game here.
Image: Christie Burnett
-
2. Human Hungry Hungry Hippos to Teach Maths
Kids adore the Hungry Hungry Hippos game, so why not bring it to life? All you need are a few washing baskets, skateboards, heaps of plastic balls and… helmets are a good idea. Add a maths element to the game by getting the kids to collect X number of balls to make Y. Example, you have 12 balls, how many balls do they need to collect to make 20? Have a go!
Find out how to set up and play different variations over at Elementary Shenanigans.
Image: Elementary Shenanigans
-
3. Detective Thinking with Cluedo Junior
A crazy hunt that goes along with the Cluedo Junior game is a must-try for any family. Send the kids on a scavenger hunt to find the missing chocolate cupcake. Like Cluedo Junior itself, this printable scavenger hunt helps kids develop problem-solving and reasoning skills.
Get the printable and full instructions here.
Image: Kate Grono
-
4. Stenciling with Game of Life Junior
Once you’ve punched out the stars for the Game of Life Junior board game, don’t throw the packaging away. It makes a fantastic stencil for star creations. Tracing and colouring the stars is great for enhancing kids’ fine motor skills.
Find more uses for the ‘star stencil’ here.
Image: Angela Henderson
-
5. Money Management with Monopoly Junior
You can use the play money from Monopoly Junior to set up shop around the house. First thing for sale: the characters from the game, of course. Kids can practise counting out the correct money and waiting for change. Then they can have a go at being the shopkeeper.
Find full instructions and more play ideas here.
Image: Kate Lloyd
-
6. Fractions with Connect Four
Fractions can be so tricky for kids to learn, but a game like Connect Four can help familiarise fractions and help kids start thinking in halves, thirds, quarters and beyond. Find out how to use Connect Four to practise fractions over at No Time For Flashcards.
Image: No Time for Flashcards
-
7. Spelling and Sight Words Practise with Twister
Add your kid’s spelling or sight words list to the game of Twister so they can practise their words while they have a ball. Full instructions and more ideas here.
Image: Kate Fairlie
-
8. Personalised Guess Who?
Guess Who? is such a fun game for little kids and it can also a unique way to keep the family close. Swap the usual faces out for family photos and have a laugh guessing who is who.
Instructions can be found on The Surznick Common Room.
Image: The Surznick Common Room
-
9. Hungry Hungry Hippos Sandwiches
If you have a reluctant eater on your hands, you might be able to use their favourite board game to entice them. These Hungry Hungry Hippos sambos are sure to tempt even the fussiest kid. Non-fussy kids will love them too.
Get the recipe over at Two Healthy Kitchens.
Image: Two Healthy Kitchens
-
10. Learn Times Tables with Twister
Learning times tables by rote is one of the more frustrating lessons for kids. That’s why this game is so amazing: it makes times tables fun and engaging. With just a ball and your Twister game mat, the kids will be out learning their tables without complaint.
Learn more about Twister Multiplication here.
Image: Christie Burnett
-
11. Sorting with Monopoly Junior
The Chance cards in the Monopoly Junior game are great for sorting by colour, type and even pattern. They are also great for a fun game of Snap or Memory.
Find loads of other clever ideas here.
Image: Kate Lloyd
-
12. Maths Solving with Connect Four
- Maths Solving with Connect Four
A creative teacher is using Connect Four to teach young primary school kids addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. It’s so easy to replicate at home.
Full instructions at The Brown Bag Teacher.
Image: The Brown Bag Teacher
-
13. Numeracy Development with Game of Life Junior
Counting out the little Game of Life Junior stars to match numbers is a fun way for young kids to practise counting and even addition.
Find full instructions and more ideas here.
Image: Angela Henderson
-
14. Gratitude Jenga
Write what you are grateful for on the Jenga pieces (you can use removable stickers if you prefer not to write on your Jenga game). As each piece is carefully removed, you can reflect on why that word was chosen and what it means to you.
Find out how to set up and play here.
Image: Jessica Gregg
-
15. Place Value Yahtzee
Kids who love Yahtzee (and that’s just about every kid in our experience), might find they love maths just a little bit more by using the Yahtzee dice to practice. This game is often used in the classroom to help teach place value. Try it out at home.
Full instructions and printable score sheets at Games 4 Gains.
Image: Games 4 Gains
