Arithmetic Checker Game

 

Photo by Andy Cardiff

 

Arithmetic Checker Game

Learning goal – practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

What makes this toy/game fun is that you’re incorporating an old fashion game of checkers with number tiles. This game is a great way to replace tired math worksheets. It adds an element of strategy to elevate higher level thinking.

Materials:

  • Dust off your old checker board or make your own with a piece of cardboard and make it at least 12″x12″
  • Replace the checkers with number tiles from manipulative or make two sets of 12 square cardboard pieces numbered 1 -12 
  • Pencil and pad
  • Calculator (optional)
  • Timer (optional)

Make a list of what your child could do to help in creating the game. Help your child brainstorm more ideas and details to make the toy/game even better. Remember, the more your child is invested in making the toy/game, the more she/he will be motivated to play and learn.

Step 1 – Set up the game. Put number pieces on dark checker board tiles. Here’s a tip-I suggest that you put larger numbers on the last row. The only rule that differs from regular checkers is that as the player jumps their opponents checker/number tile they must give the correct answer to take or win their opponents tile. If the last row has the larger numbers it makes the computation harder and thus making it more difficult to take/win the number tiles.

Step 2 – Generally the youngest player goes first, but you can find your own way to determine who goes first. Make sure each player has a pencil and pad. A calculator is optional. To speed up the game you can use a timer. A timer also helps teach time management skills for test taking.

Step 3 – Write the rules down on a sheet of paper so everyone has a clear idea how to play the toy/game. This will also teach your child the importance of following instructions since it’s the basis for mastery and learning. All games/toys are to be played with a parent and must be supervised.

Take it Further

Be creative! Instead of cardboard or number tiles make your own clay number creatures.

For younger kids who are learning about money. Replace number tiles with coins and they must identify to take/win their opponent’s coin.  For older students, they can play with their siblings. Depending on what grade level,  players could play different math operations.

What do you think of this toy/game? How would you change or improve on this? Any suggestions? Did it help you child? Do you have a homemade game or toy to share to help kids learn? Please join and share here in the comment box or http://facebook.com/learngamer

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Kids Make it + Kids Play it + Kids Share it = Kids Learn it!

John:)

Photo by Andy Cardiff

March 21, 2011. Tags: , , , , . Homemade Math game, How to make educational games and toys, Improve Academics and study skills, Improve memory skills, Learn about money game. Leave a comment.

Reading And Writing Nest

Photo by pjf@cpan

Reading & Writing Nest  

Learning goal – encourage and practice reading and writing skills.

What makes this toy/game fun is that you get to make a pretend cozy bird like nest with pillows and blankets. For yourself, friends and/or family to join you in the nest for some reading and writing fun.

Materials:

  • Find a bunch of pillows, cushions, sheets, towels and blankets
  • Find some new books or old favorites
  • Get some of your favorite stuff animals
  • Pencil and pad
  • Indoor lantern (optional)

Make a list of what your child could do to help in creating the game. Help your child brainstorm more ideas and details to make the toy/game even better. Remember, the more your child is invested in making the toy/game, the more she/he will be motivated to play and learn.

Step 1 – Get your pillows, sheets, cushions, blankets and stuff animals together.

Step 2 – Measure how large of a circle you want your nest to be.

Step 3 – Lay pillows and cushion on the perimeter of your circle. Then put your blankets and sheets over inside and over it. 

Step 4 – Write the rules down on a sheet of paper so everyone has a clear idea how to play the toy/game. This will also teach your child the importance of following instructions since it’s the basis for mastery and learning. All games/toys are to be played with a parent and must be supervised.

Step 5 - Keep building up the nest until it’s nice and soft. Now you’re ready to add your soft animal friends and leave an extra pillow and blanket for personal use in your newly created Reading Nest. Turn on your lantern (optional), pick a book or think of something fun to write about, snuggle in and enjoy!

Take it Further

Be creative! Make a winged hat and add a soft pair of bed slippers.

For younger kids, Make story time and writing time a cozy experience.  For older students, reading and writing assignments can be more pleasurable.

What do you think of this toy/game? How would you change or improve on this? Any suggestions? Did it help you child? Do you have a homemade game or toy to share to help kids learn? Please join and share here in the comment box or http://facebook.com/learngamer

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Kids Make it + Kids Play it + Kids Share it = Kids Learn it!

John:)

Photo by pjf@cpan

March 8, 2011. Tags: , , , . Homemade Reading game, Homemade Writing game, Improve Academics and study skills, Uncategorized. 2 comments.

DIY Echo Chamber Reading Toy

DIY Echo Chamber Reading Toy

Learning goal – encourage and practice reading.

What makes this toy/game fun is that you get to make an echo chamber and pretend cave. You can hear yourself  and share echoes.

Photo by craigwbrown

Materials:

  • You can use a large refrigerator box or  2-3 approximately 18″x 18″ x 24″ boxes
  • Duct tape
  • Scissor
  • Flashlight or portable lantern
  • Books, magazines, secret messages
  • *Instead of a cardboard box you can use a plastic 30 gallon or larger bin (optional)

Make a list of what your child could do to help in creating the game. Help your child brainstorm more ideas and details to make the toy/game even better. Remember, the more your child is invested in making the toy/game, the more she/he will be motivated to play and learn.

Step 1 – Get supplies together. Cut 2 or 3 boxes so they can be connected and made into one large box or go to your neighborhood appliance store and ask them for a large box.

Step 2 – Duct tape the boxes together. Use plenty of tape.  

Step 3 – As long as the box covers your child’s head and leave the bottom of the box open. The echoes won’t be perfect, but the echoing effect will be enough for a great time. *You also have the option to use a large plastic bin. Echoes work better on hard surfaces.

Step 4 – Write the rules down on a sheet of paper so everyone has a clear idea how to play the toy/game. This will also teach your child the importance of following instructions since it’s the basis for mastery and learning. All games/toys are to be played with a parent and must be supervised.

Step 5 - To set up the echo chamber, place 2 or 4 chairs around and place the box on them. Do some research about cave drawing/paintings and creatures that might live in caves. Decorate the interior of your cave. Start reading a book about echoes, caves and/or creatures that live in caves. Enjoy the echoes and your own secret cave!

Take it Further

Be creative! Have things hanging in the cave. Make cave paintings and pre-historic artifacts. Include recorded sounds, turn off the lights, use flashlight/portable lantern and delight the senses.

For younger kids, pretend you are exploring a newly discovered cave. For older students, use a video cam to document their exploration, discovery and conclusions. It can become a private place for them.

What do you think of this toy/game? How would you change or improve on this? Any suggestions? Did it help you child? Do you have a homemade game or toy to share to help kids learn? Please join and share here in the comment box or http://facebook.com/learngamer

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Kids Make it + Kids Play it + Kids Share it = Kids Learn it!

John:)

Photo by craigwbrown

March 3, 2011. Tags: , , , , . Homemade Reading game, Homemade Social Skills game, Homemade Vocabulary game, Homemade Writing game. Leave a comment.

Up The Steps! Word Game

Up The Steps! Word Game  

Photo by maureen lunn

Learning goal – To practice, identify and expand one’s vocabulary

What makes this game fun is that you are using books to make steps going up and using a craft stick to move a marble up and down the steps to learn new words.

Materials:

  • Several stacks of books or boxes.
  • Notepad size paper
  • Craft sticks and/or kid safe flat plastic knives or a strip of flat heavy cardboard
  • Marble or small ball
  • Pencil and paper
  • Vocabulary answer key
  • Timer (optional)

Make a list of what your child could do to help in creating this project. Help your child brainstorm more ideas and details to make this project even better. Remember, the more your child is invested in making this project, the more she/he will be motivated to create and enjoy.

Step 1 – Gather you materials. Stack the books/boxes to create steps leading up. 

Step 2 – Put together a list of new vocabulary words and there definitions. Write these words separately on small strips of paper and put them on each step. Preview the list of words and their definitions with the players.

Step 3 – Players play at the same time on separate stacked books/boxes created steps. Each player will need a vocabulary answer key that describes how to pronounce the word and defines its meaning. The players will pick up their craft sticks roll the marble to the first step. Ready set and go!

  • Using their flat stick they will flip over the strip of paper on the first step and call out the word and roll the marble up to the first step. Stop the marble from moving, flip the next strip of paper on the next step and call out the word and roll the marble up to the next step. However if the marble rolls off the steps, then they must call out the word again and roll the ball back up again. If the marble falls all the way back down to the bottom, the player must start again.
  • Once the player makes it to the top they must carefully roll the marble a step at a time back down, this time they must call out the word and say it’s definition which is on their answer key.
  • The first player to make it up, back down saying the words and saying the words again with their definitions wins!

Step 4 – Write the rules down on a sheet of paper so everyone has a clear idea how to play the toy/game. This will also teach your child the importance of following instructions since it’s the basis for mastery and learning. All games/toys are to be played with a parent and must be supervised.

Take it Further

Be creative! Make it look like a raceway and have little flags at the top of the steps. Have the players decorate their marble sticks and make their own balls out of modeling clay with cool designs.

For younger kids, you can use actual steps up stairs, use a tennis ball and big wooden spoon. Label each steps with letters and simple words.  For older kids, they may need to use the new vocabulary in a sentence to move the marble.

What do you think of this game? How would you change or improve on this? Any suggestions? Did it help you child? Do you have a homemade game or toy to share to help kids learn? Please join and share here in the comment box or http://facebook.com/learngamer

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Kids Make it + Kids Play it + Kids Share it = Kids Learn it!

John:)

Photo by maureen lunn

 

February 22, 2011. Tags: , , , , , , . Community blog to help kids learn, Homemade learning games and toys, Homemade Reading game, Homemade Vocabulary game, How to make educational games and toys, Improve Academics and study skills, Improve memory skills. Leave a comment.

Presidential Coin Dip Game

Presidential Coin Dip Game

Photo by Scott Hudson

Learning goal – To practice, identify and learn coin value.

What makes this game fun is that it incorporates the idea of a wishing well and playing with water.

Materials:

  • Small foot tub or bin
  • A dish or bowl that will sit on bottom of foot tub/bin
  • Assorted coins
  • Pencil and paper
  • Bath towel and paper towels
  • Timer
  • Spoon (optional)

Make a list of what your child could do to help in creating this project. Help your child brainstorm more ideas and details to make this project even better. Remember, the more your child is invested in making this project, the more she/he will be motivated to create and enjoy.

Step 1 – Gather you materials. Fill the water half way in your foot tub/bin. Place the dish/bowl underwater in the center of the foot tub/bin.

Step 2 – Have your towels ready in case water spills or splashes. Mark a distance of 3 feet to 5 feet away.

Step 3 – Write the rules down on a sheet of paper so everyone has a clear idea how to play the toy/game. This will also teach your child the importance of following instructions since it’s the basis for mastery and learning. All games/toys are to be played with a parent and must be supervised.

Step 4 – The youngest player goes first or you can come up with your own way to decide who goes first. Set the timer for three minutes. The player reach in for a coin. As the player takes a coin she/he must identify it aloud. The players will try to get as many coins in the tub/bin as possible within 3 minutes. When the 3 minutes are up, the player will add up all the coins that didn’t make it into the bin. Add up all the coins that didn’t make it into the underwater dish/bowl and add up all the coins in the center dish/bowl.

Step 5 – The player with the highest amount/value of all coins added in the foot tub/bin and at least 1 coin in the center dish/bowl wins!

Take it Further

Be creative! Make it look like a wishing well. Pretend that if you get a coin in the center dish/bowl you can make a wish. Use color water or add some bubbles or create a little pond with pretend plants and fish.

For younger kids, practice identifying the coins. For older kids practice exchanging coins for paper money or do the reverse use a stick with funtak on the end, and retrieve the coins from the tub. Add up the amount you fish out and exchange it for paper money.

What do you think of this game? How would you change or improve on this? Any suggestions? Did it help you child? Do you have a homemade game or toy to share to help kids learn? Please join and share here in the comment box or http://facebook.com/learngamer

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Kids Make it + Kids Play it + Kids Share it = Kids Learn it!

John:)

Photo by Scott Hudson

February 18, 2011. Tags: , , , , . Community blog to help kids learn, Fun learning projects, Homemade learning games and toys, Homemade Math game, Improve Academics and study skills, Improve memory skills, Learn about money game. Leave a comment.

Magic Wand Test Prep!

Magic Wand Test Prep!

Photo by ~Brenda-Starr~

Learning goal – To review concepts and improve study skills for test.

What makes this fun is that children use the idea of magic and creating a magic wand to review and study for test.

Materials:

  • Twig or stick or dowel or pencil.
  • Thick cotton fabric like from old socks or knit gloves.
  • Glitter and glue
  • Assorted arts and crafts supplies
  • Scissors
  • A set of notepaper w/written concepts, problems to identify or solve.

 Make a list of what your child could do to help in creating this project. Help your child brainstorm more ideas and details to make this project even better. Remember, the more your child is invested in making this project, the more she/he will be motivated to create and enjoy.

Step 1 – Find a stick at least 12” long, decide on how you want the magic wand to look like. Is it more like Harry Potters or a magicians?

Step 2 – Cut a piece of fabric 2” in width and enough to wrap around the stick. Then glue the fabric on. Use your arts and crafts supplies to decorate the rest of the wand. The fabric tip of the wand will be rubbed against the top of your head and hair. Make sure the decorations doesn’t interfere with this process.

Step 3 – Next you will take a 3″x3″ pad of notepaper and write concepts and/or problems that needs to be reviewed and/or solved. Start with 10 sheets of notepaper.

Step 4 – Place the notepaper face down on a table in rows and columns. Rub the fabric tip of your magic wand to create static electricity that will magically lift the notepaper, so you can read, identify and/or solve. Make this a game against time and set the timer for 15 minutes. Beat the clock and win!

Take it Further

Be creative! Make the notepaper into rabbits shapes. Put the notepaper into a large magic hat. Video the magic show to watch later to help with review and visual memory.  

For younger kids, practice the basics. For older students, take the notepaper and paste them into a magic journal. Write the answers in the journal and create a magic study packet.

What do you think of this project? How would you change or improve on this? Any suggestions? Did it help you child? Do you have a homemade game or toy to share to help kids learn? Please join and share here in the comment box or http://facebook.com/learngamer

Want more post like this one? Get them delivered just click the top box to right!

Kids Make it + Kids Play it + Kids Share it = Kids Learn it!

John:)

Photo by ~Brenda-Starr~

February 17, 2011. Tags: , , , , . Community blog to help kids learn, Homemade Study Skills game, How to make educational games and toys, Improve Academics and study skills, Improve memory skills. 2 comments.

EZ Learning Heart Pillows

 

Photo by stevendepolo

 

EZ Learning Heart Pillows

Learning goal – Loving reminders why learning is important.

What makes this writing project fun is that children get to make mini pillows, write learning reminders and decorate them.

Make a list of what your child could do to help in creating this project. Help your child brainstorm more ideas and details to make this project even better. Remember, the more your child is invested in making this project, the more she/he will be motivated to create and enjoy.

Materials:

◦Old large bed sheet or purchase a light-colored fabric
◦Draw a heart and create a pattern of a heart at least 6” x 6”
◦Duct tape
◦Old socks or cotton stuffing
◦Markers
◦Glitter and glue
◦Assorted arts and crafts supplies
◦Scissors
◦Learning reminders and/or quotes

Step 1 – Here are some learning quotes/reminders:
·Learning is having fun
·Learning makes me smart
·Learning shows me new things/ideas
·Learning helps me make new friends
·Learning teach me numbers
·Learning teach me words
·My mom is my learning partner
·My dad is my learning partner
·Learning makes me grow
·Learning is making things
Come up with your own special reminders/quotes.

Step 2 – Lay fabric flat, if you have a large sheet of fabric, you may want to cut them into smaller manageable size pieces. Place heart template/pattern on top of fabric and trace with a marker or pen. Before cutting make sure you fold the fabric or add another piece of fabric. So once you’re done cutting you will have 2 identical heart fabric pieces.

Step 3 – Once you have 2 heart fabric pieces start duct taping the edges all around leaving a hole large enough for you to stuff cotton or cut up a few old socks to fill.

Step 4 – Before stuffing you will need to flip/ turn your heart inside out. This way the duct tape doesn’t show. Start decorating the heart. Using a pen or fine marker write one of your learning reminders/quotes on the pillow and continue decorate as you wish.

Take it Further
Be creative! You don’t have to do this only on Valentines. Add some fabric arms, legs and giggly eyes to make little heart people. Use glow in the dark ink or paint. Make a whole family of loving learning heart people.

For younger kids, use a simpler shape, like a simple square pillow with a heart drawn or painted on it. For older students, make them into key chains and mini bags.

What do you think of this project? How would you change or improve on this? Any suggestions? Did it help you child? Do you have a homemade game or toy to share to help kids learn? Please join and share here in the comment box or http://facebook.com/learngamer

Want more post like this one? Get them delivered just click the top box to right!

Kids Make it + Kids Play it + Kids Share it = Kids Learn it!

John:)

Photo by stevendepolo

February 14, 2011. Tags: , , , . Community blog to help kids learn, Fun learning projects, Homemade learning games and toys, Homemade Spelling game, Homemade Writing game, How to make educational games and toys, Improve Academics and study skills. Leave a comment.

Tipping Scale Scavenger Hunt

Tipping Scale Scavenger Hunt Picture of tipping scale

Learning goal – explore weight, mass and volume

What makes this toy fun is that you get to make a working scale and learn about weight, mass, and volume. The scale is easily portable so you can bring it with you during the scavenger hunt to explore how objects compare to each others by weight, mass and volume.  

Materials:

  • At least 12” long stick or dowel (I used an old chopstick)
  • String/yarn
  • Flexible kid safe wire/pipe cleaner
  • Pen, marker
  • Scissor
  • Wire, hook or Velcro
  • Pad of paper
  • Extra paper
  • List for scavenger hunt

Make a list of what your child could do to help in creating the game. Help your child brainstorm more ideas and details to make the toy/game even better. Remember, the more your child is invested in making the toy/game, the more she/he will be motivated to play and learn.

Step 1 – Get supplies together. Cut string/yarn 10″-12″ and tie to middle of stick/dowel. Hold still making sure it balance evenly.

Step 2 – Cut 2 more string/yarn 10″-12″ and tie to either ends of stick/dowel. Hold still and make sure it balance evenly.  

Step 3 – Cut pieces of wire or pipe cleaner 6″ long and make a loop on one end. Tie loop to end of one string hanging from end of stick/dowel. Tie the other loop to the other end. Hold still and make sure it balance evenly. If necessary adjust the balance by sliding the string/yarn with loop till it balance evenly. Twist wire/pipe cleaner to make hook on both end. If you desire a bag or dish on one end or both, you can attach that by tieing the string/yarn to bag/dish directly. You will have to adjust the balance evenly.

Step 4 – Write the rules down on a sheet of paper so everyone has a clear idea how to play the toy/game. This will also teach your child the importance of following instructions since it’s the basis for mastery and learning. All games/toys are to be played with a parent and must be supervised.

Step 5 – Set up your scavenger hunt area. Make a list of objects to compare. Here are some questions to consider when making your scavenger list:

  • Are larger objects always heavier?
  • Are solid things lighter or heavier?
  • Are soft things always lighter?
  • What weighs more a penny or a pencil?
  • What weighs more a water balloon or a big blown up balloon?

Take it Further

Be creative! Include the scale as a tool in an explorer kit, with other tools like a magnifying scope, tape measure, digital camera, flashlight, net, scoops, cups, storage containers, tweezers, play dough to make impressions and a case to put everything in.

For younger kids, put everything on a table and let them explore and draw which item is heavier or lighter. Elementary kids, let them make their own list and questions. For older students, use a video cam to document their exploration, discovery and conclusions.

What do you think of this toy? How would you change or improve on this? Any suggestions? Did it help you child? Do you have a homemade game or toy to share to help kids learn? Please join and share here in the comment box or http://facebook.com/learngamer

Want more post like this one? Get them delivered just click the top box to right!

Kids Make it + Kids Play it + Kids Share it = Kids Learn it!

John:)

February 8, 2011. Tags: , , , , , . Homemade learning games and toys, Homemade Reading game, Homemade Science game, Homemade Study Skills game, Homemade Vocabulary game, Homemade Writing game, How to make educational games and toys, Improve Academics and study skills, Step by step tipping scale scavenger hunt toy and game. 1 comment.

3 Strikes And You’re Out!

3 Strikes And You’re Out!

Learning goal – improve reading comprehension and speed. Also improves writing skills.

Photo by Sarah_Ackerman

What makes this game fun is that you have three chances to throw a ball, knock the pins/tubes over and quickly match the correct written description/riddle to images.

Materials:

  • 8 ½” x 11” colored paper
  • Paper index card sized or pad of paper
  • Tape or stapler
  • A pair of clean old socks or soft balls
  • Pen, marker and larger paper for score keeping
  • Detailed or busy pictures/images
  • Scissor
  • Answer key

Make a list of what your child could do to help in creating the game. Help your child brainstorm more ideas and details to make the game even better. Remember, the more your child is invested in making the game, the more she/he will be motivated to play and learn.

Step 1 – Get supplies together. Roll colored paper into tubes. Make eight tubes.

Step 2 – Find three very detailed or busy colored images from magazines or pictures you have. Then, write a riddle/description on each index card sized paper based on the pictures (to help improve writing skills have the players write the riddles/descriptions). Start with 16 riddles for the game. Insert a riddle in each tube. You will need eight tubes for this game. Once the player knocks over a tube she/he must match the riddle to the correct image. Make an answer key for the game.

Step 3 – You will need a clean pair of old socks. Roll the individual socks into balls or find some soft balls for the game. The ball size should fit in your child’s palm.

Step 4 – Write the rules down on a sheet of paper so everyone has a clear idea how to play the game. This will also teach your child the importance of following instructions since it’s the basis for mastery and learning. All games/toys are to be played with a parent and must be supervised.

Step 5 – To begin, set up the tubes on a table. Arrange the tubes like bowling pins and mark there spots so you can quickly reset. Make sure there are a riddle/description in every tube. Use a large paper make a score board. Prepare the sock balls (have at least 2). The youngest player goes first or you can come up with your own way to choose who goes first.

  • The player will start behind a starting line, throws the first sock ball toward the tubes, then she/he will pause to retrieve the riddles/description inside the tubes. She/he must match the correct riddle to image, before she/he can throw the next ball. However, if the player have any incorrect matches, the other player has an opportunity to match the riddle to the image and if the other player matches the correct image then the new player goes and the initial player loses their turn.
  • Each player will have three chances to knock over all the tubes if they continue to correctly match the riddle to image after each throw. The player who knocks over all the tubes within three throws and correctly match all the images wins a point.
  • Then the next player goes.
  • After playing three sets of games the player with two out of three wins!
  • To make this a non-competitive game. The players will play two sets of games and must knock over all the pins and correctly match the images before their 15 minute is up to win!

Take it Further

Be creative! Create a carnival or boardwalk environment. Make funny silly faces on the tubes. Players can win pretend prizes and/or tokens. 

For younger kids, start out with simple words, learn colors and shapes. For elementary kids, use sentences from their favorite picture books and gradually increase the difficulty. For older students, use sample questions from SAT and/or ACT to help with test prep, and add a time element to the game.

What do you think of this game? How would you change or improve on this? Any suggestions? Did it help you child? Do you have a homemade game or toy to share to help kids learn? Please join and share here in the comment box or http://facebook.com/learngamer

Kids Make it + Kids Play it + Kids Share it = Kids Learn it!

Want more post like this one? Get them delivered just click the top box to right!

John:)

Photo by Sarah_Ackerman

February 1, 2011. Tags: , , , . Fun learning projects, Homemade Vocabulary game, Homemade Writing game, How to make educational games and toys, Improve Academics and study skills. Leave a comment.

Whirlwind Grammar Game

Whirlwind Grammar Game

Photo by 00dann

What makes this game fun is that it’s sport related. Players are blowing a piece of paper trying to get it into a goal, but for the goal to count the player must identify and correct all the grammatical mistakes written on the paper.

Materials:

  • Cut paper to business card size
  • Plastic drinking straws
  • Masking tape
  • Pen, marker and larger paper for score keeping
  • 2 large paper plates
  • Scissor
  • Timer
  • Answer key

Make a list of what your child could do to help in creating the game. Help your child brainstorm more ideas and details to make the game even better. Remember, the more your child is invested in making the game, the more she/he will be motivated to play and learn.

Step 1 – Get supplies together. Use masking tape to mark the playing surface or simply mark where player have to start. Make a simple score board with large paper or use some kind of wipe-off surface to keep score. Fold plate in half, tape plate to edge of table and cut a small hole in it. The hole in the plate is where the goalie’s straw will go. The plate will represent the goal or net. 

Step 2 – Making the playing cards/strips of paper. Each card/strip will have a sentence or sentences with or without grammatical errors. This game requires at least two players. One player is the goalie and his/her job is to keep the game card/strip from entering the plate goal. The other player or players job is to try to get the game card/strip to enter the plate goal.  Begin with at least 5 game cards/strips.  Next make an answer key for the game.

Step 3 – Write the rules down on a sheet of paper so everyone has a clear idea how to play the game. This will also teach your child the importance of following instructions since it’s the basis for mastery and learning. All games/toys are to be played with a parent and must be supervised.

Step 4 – To begin, Make sure the players have a pencil and pad if they need it. You will need at least 2 players for this game. One player will try to blow the game card/strip into the goal and the goalie using a straw through the hole from the back of the goal plate will try to blow to keep the game card/strip out. If the player blows the game card/strip into the goal before they get the point must identify and correct the grammatical errors for the score to count. The players change positions, and continues the game until time is up. The youngest player gets to pick the position he/she wants to play first or you can come up with your own way to choose who goes first. Ready, set the timer for 20 minutes and go!

  • The player will start behind a starting line, blow the game card/strip across playing surface and try to get the game card/strip into the goal.
  • Once the player gets the game card/strip into the goal. She/he must pick up the game card identify and correct the grammatical errors on it. However, if she/he is unable to identify and/or correct the errors. The other player has an opportunity to make the correction and win the point.
  • Make sure the score is kept during the game. Each goal and corrected game card is consider one point.
  • The player with the most corrected errors and most points before time is up wins!
  • To make this a non-competitive game. Players must identify and correct all the game cards/strips before the time is up to win!

Take it Further

Be creative! Create a playing surface that looks like a hockey rink or soccer field. Cut out images of other player and tape them on the playing surface as obstacles. Make the straw look like a hockey stick. Make a fancy scoreboard and maybe even come up with uniforms. 

For younger kids, you might start out with identifying nouns, verbs, and adjectives. For elementary kids, start with easier grammatical errors and work up to more difficult ones. For older students, use sample questions from SAT and/or ACT to help with test prep.

What do you think of this game? How would you change or improve on this? Any suggestions? Did it help you child? Do you have a homemade game or toy to share to help kids learn? Please join and share here in the comment box or http://facebook.com/learngamer

Kids Make it + Kids Play it + Kids Share it = Kids Learn it!

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John:)

Photo by 00dann

January 31, 2011. Tags: , , , , , . Fun learning projects, Homemade Grammar skill game, Homemade Study Skills game, Homemade Writing game, How to make educational games and toys, Improve Academics and study skills. Leave a comment.

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