There are over 4,000 board games engineered for learning. More are being created annually. Granted, all games are educational in some way or another, but let's look at a few games that are specifically geared toward math, science, social studies, grammar, foreign language, and reading. Many of these games are geared toward children to help them in school, but adults can benefit from playing them as well. I have chosen a few of my family's favorite educational board games.
BUDGET GAME (Math)
Here is a game that teaches children to learn the benefits of planning a budget and sticking to it. The realities of real-life economics is taught with this game as each player makes investments, buys a home, buys insurance and much more. If the player's projected budget is correct, the player will receive a bonus on "pay day" which is at the end of each round. This game is designed for 2-4 players and children in grades 4-12.
TOTALLY TUT GAME (Math)
This game combines basic math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division as well as the order of operations. Players must trek across rows of pyramids by using numbers and operation triangles to solve correctly each math problem. It is designed for ages 4 and up and can be played by 2-4 players.
SPILL YOUR GUTS (Human Anatomy)
This science game focuses on human anatomy. Using the true or false cards, each student surgeon must answer the questions about the human body and its organ systems correctly to earn organs. The object of the game is to build the human body without "spilling the guts". If a player answers incorrectly, he or she must start over in rebuilding the organ systems. There are 11 organ pieces, a surgeon's table, and a plastic human body tray. This game is designed to be played by 1 or more players, and helps children ages 7 and up learn how the human body works.
THE INVENTION GAME (Science)
This is a new board game that includes pictures of a variety of wild, wacky and unusual inventions. Each player must write down what they think each invention does. Then one player reads off the list of guesses along with the real one. Player's must then decide which one is correct. However, the play cannot vote for the one they wrote. The player with the most voted guess will earn points. At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins. All of the inventions featured in this game are real and have patents on file. This game is best played with 3 or more players and designed for ages 12 to adults.
AROUND THE WORLD (World Geography)
This is a wonderful game for kids and adults. This game teaches you about world geography and cultures. Each player roles the dice, moves their pawn and answers question with the coordinating card. Categories include geography, people and places, culture and customs, language, world bank, and world wonders. It is designed for 2 or more players and ages 8 to adult.
HAIL TO THE CHIEF (US History)
This game helps players learn about the presidents of the United States and about America's Constitution. Each player becomes a candidate for presidency as they travel the campaign trail from state to state. Along the way players will have to answer questions about United States history and geography to earn electoral votes. The first one to Washington DC with enough electoral votes wins. There are two parts to this game, the Convention and the Campaign. With this game, everyone will learn about the presidency process while learning important facts. This game was designed for 2-4 players ages 10 to adult.
PARTS OF SPEECH GAME (Grammar)
This is an excellent game to learn more about nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, pronouns, and more. Players will also learn about verb phrases, prepositional phrases, articles, and proper nouns. Parts of Speech Game is designed for 2-4 players and teams. Although this game is focused toward grades 4-8, it is great for the whole family.
LANGUAGE DETECTIVE GAME (Grammar)
This game is wonderful proofreading game designed to help players recognize word usage, spelling mistakes, capitalization, and punctuation. This game is open ended, meaning it has no end technically. You can decided that whoever earns X amount of points, wins. This game was designed for 2-6 players in grades 4-12.
ERIC CARLE'S ABC GAME (Phonics)
This game was designed for children ages 3 and up. This game introduces children to the alphabet by teaching them letter recognition. It also reinforces counting skills as they move around the board. Children also learn coordination as they spin the spinner as well as social skills when they learn the importance of taking turns. This game can be played by 2-4 players so schedule a play-date and let the kids have fun while learning.
PHARAOH'S PHONICS GAME (Phonics)
Reinforce the phonics skills your children learn in school by trying to spell words. Player must try to catch the camel to fill their pyramid faster. There is a twist to this game. Players can steal or trade letters to complete their pyramid first. This game teaches long and short vowels, consonant sounds, and beginning blends. It is designed for 2-4 players ages 7-9.
There are so many educational board games available out there to help teach and reinforce educational skills. Most games are focused toward children of various ages and skill levels but some of these games are great for adults to continue learning. Another reason for choosing educational games for your family is that children love it when their parents and caregivers play games with them. Being able to reinforce your children's learning skills will help them be successful in school and in life.
One of the best sources for finding these games and other educational games is at http://www.educationallearninggames.com . Around the World Game can be purchased through http://www.aroundtheworldgames.com . So turn off the television and the phone and sit down with your child today and play a game. You and your child will be glad you did.