Homeschool games are a great way to reinforce concepts children are learning. They teach sportsmanship, discipline, patience and cooperation. They also promote family bonding and help parents relax and have fun!

When choosing homeschool games, look for games that will appeal to different interests and age ranges. Take turns letting your family members choose which games will be played. When playing games suited to older children, let younger ones help or observe quietly. When playing games suited to younger children, teach older children to join in and help their siblings have fun.

Games of chance give every member of the family a chance to win, regardless of background knowledge or skill level. Games of skill require ability in specific certain areas. Include both types in your family's game closet. Your children will grow intellectually by playing skill based games, and games of chance will give them a chance to beat mom and dad.

I prefer traditional commercial games over the educational games sold in teacher's supply stores and catalogs. Those games can become montonous and take the fun out of learning.

Avoid online computer games in favor of games that promote social interaction with family members. Even educational computer games can be addictive and overstimulating.

Here is some additional information about homeschool games.

Make family game nights a part of your weekly routine. Extend your children's curfew, order pizza or prepare special snacks. Make it a night every member of your family anticipates.

Add variety to your supply of homeschool games by playing card games, pen and paper games, puzzles, outdoor games and board games.

• Card games like Black Jack, Hearts and Gin Rummy, encourage strategical thinking, reinforce mathematical concepts and enhance memory.
• Pen and paper games like crossword puzzles, word finds, Mad Libs and hangman are great for helping children develop language skills.
• Chess enhances math and science achievement. This age-old game contributes to strong problem solving skills and logical thinking. It has even been shown to increase IQ.
• Puzzles are great for teaching factual knowledge in areas like geography and anatomy. They also build visual discrimination and concentration skills.
• Games of trivia are great for learning and reviewing Bible verses, dates, definitions or factual information about any subject. They also help children learn to think quickly.
• Outdoor games are inexpensive and promote an active lifestyle. Design an obstacle course or scavenger hunt. If you're creative, there's no limit to the fun you can have in your own backyard.
• Board games are a favorite of every family. You can often purchase board games at thrift stores and garage sales. If your family is on an especially tight budget, you can make your own games.

Children learn through play. Preschool games are a great way to teach shapes, colors, numbers, counting, letters, and social skills such as taking turns. Games like Bingo and Memory can be structured to teach any subject, and simple board games teach counting and improve fine motor skills.

Some of our favorite preschool games are:

• Chutes and Ladders
• Dominoes
• Hi Ho Cherry-O
• Trouble, and
• Candy Land

Scrabble, Jr. and Boggle, Jr. are great alphabet games. We also enjoy card games like, Uno, War, Old Maid, and Go Fish. Here is some additional information about preschool educational games.