Learning Through Playing Games

The other night we played Rummikub, a game with tiles that are placed on the table. It seems to be a numerical cross between scrabble and the card game rummi. We had a great time once we got the hang of playing. With most new games we relax the rules until we've learned how to play. Playing games like this has always been more of a cooperative, friendly past-time rather than an emphasis on competitiveness.

Yesterday I woke up with a combined game and craft activity buzzing around my head. It's for younger children, but the craft activity could suit an older child. I called it Hickory Dickory A Clock & Counting Game.

When my children were young I loved making up games. Sometimes they'd pop into my head but most of the time I'd have a particular skill I wanted the children to learn and would create a game to suit. Games included ones like Hickory Dickory; dice, board or card games; role playing games; or games with toys. Playing games with my children was the easiest way to educate them!

If you have a game you like to play, or one that you've modified to suit your children, or one that you've made up and you'd like to share it with others on the Homeschool Australia website, please email me.

© Beverley Paine 2006

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