Many people have not discovered the value of games for learning, and others simply don’t have enough time or ideas. This book helps in both cases. Games prove useful in several ways. First of all, kids are generally more attracted to games than to worksheets. Also, you can use a game over and over either to teach or review. When the kids have mastered one concept, you can adjust the game to include more challenging skills, and continue progressing, reviewing and learning at the same time. And if you find a game your student really enjoys, you can use that format for an array of subjects, from math to Spanish. You can also use the same game for different grades by adjusting the content of the game to the appropriate level. Another plus is the lack of preparation needed; anyone in the family can bring out a game and play a few short rounds, even if they only have a few minutes.

Maybe you already know how educational and beneficial games can be, but you have not had a chance to brainstorm new ideas for games. This book gives directions and guidelines for 40 games, some original, some spin-offs from others. And if you suffer from not-enough-hours-in-the-day syndrome, this book has cut the preparation time in half. While you will still be required to devote time to the constuction of a game, it will not be a lengthy project. Complete plans and simple directions for each game are included, and after purchasing some necessary materials, you’ll be ready to go. Included in the book are several pages of suggestions for game topics, pages of different game boards to be copied and used to make the games, and a list of recommended materials, all available at a teacher/office supply store. Enjoy! - Melissa

Customer Review

 
Christine S. from Northeast Pennsylvania wrote the following on 02/17/2004:
This has been one of the greatest books I have ever seen in helping my boys love learning. The authors have listed hundreds of formats and probably thousands of ways to make games, from which you can easily expand to fit exactly what your kids are learning. They have game formats from preschoolers through high school. Most of the games use file folders and markers, with stickers for appearance. In particular, our math program has really taken off due to the games I made from this book. I have made games for reading, math, foreign language, music, social studies AND science all from examples given. Most games take me about 15-30 minutes to make, altough it could take a lot less time, but I like to "decorate" the game boards a lot, plus I let my kids help if they want to. Even with the added stickers and decorations (like glitter glue and beads), most games cost less than $1 to make. I recommend this book to everyone who has kids who like to play games.