Anyone who has been following my blog knows that I have been homeschooling my children for years. I started with my daughter in kindergarten after being frustrated with the school system. She is now in 8^th grade and doing well. I am also homeschooling my son who is in 2^nd grade and have been ever since Pre-K for him.

 

One of the struggles I have as a homeschooling parent is keeping them engaged and learning. I learned that you do not necessarily need to mimic the school system to give your child a good education. I have also learned that learning is more than just textbooks. It’s about experiences, having fun, trying new things – there is just so much more to it than the bland learn it and test it I grew up with. It’s been a huge learning experience along the way, and I feel like I finally have a rhythm and system that works for us.

 

So, I still include the boring worksheets, but my kids also do computer learning. They have a curriculum program that they use and then I also like to find some free outside sources as well such as typing skills or extra phonics skills. I also like to allow them to play computer games. There are a TON of sites that offer free online games so now downloading is needed.

 

Sometimes I have them play educational games, but other times I allow them to pick and choose the games they want to play. My son in particular likes to see what new games are out for him to try since he likes playing a variety of games.

 

 

 

This is a fun game to help with your child’s typing skills. I find it helps with accuracy and speed. Basically, you need to type the word shown near the zombie’s feet before the zombie gets to you. If you get a letter incorrect the word erases and you must start spelling the word again from the beginning. As you continue the game, it will gradually speed up.

 

 

This is a fantasy-themed math role-playing game for kids. You can choose from 16 different math categories such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals. There is even a timed multiplication speed test! Once you choose your math category, you then choose one of the 24 characters to play. They have knights, rangers, warriors, wizards, witches, and elves to name a few. Answer 7 out 10 questions correctly and you win! As you win games, you collect shields that can be used to unlock weapons and accessories. Basically, it's a fun way to practice math and it's not just limited to little kids! So, both of my children can enjoy it.

 

Basically, both of those games can be used for both of my kids, and they LOVE them because, unlike other educational game sites, these feel more like games than for strictly learning. If that makes sense.

 

I find that video games help with my children’s fine motor skills, thinking skills, strategy skills, listening skills, etc. - just overall learning skills that they don’t pick up from just reading a textbook. So, while they are having a blast, they are actually learning in ways they do not realize, which I love! Best of all, it doesn’t cost me anything extra since they are FREE!