Turn Homework Frustration Into Fun with Games
Do you struggle to work with your child on schoolwork? Is homework a hassle? Reading a rough ride? Alphabet an albatross? Writing a wrangling match? Numbers a nuisance? Fractions full of friction? Decimals destructive?
Unfortunately, you are in good company. Struggles with homework are as old as, well, the invention of homework, I would surmise.
I’ve always been fascinated with the topic and best practices surrounding homework. Would it surprise you to know that this is not a subject covered in teacher education programs? It’s like the Wild West out there in education land! The topic is well-debated and highly subjective. I love this article from Harvard on the topic: “Are you Down or Done With Homework?”
https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/ed/12/01/are-you-down-or-done-homework
Either way, I’m here to suggest another way to handle what’s clearly a frustration for many families. Oftentimes, our children are struggling with the conventions of how concepts are being presented, not with the concepts themselves. Rote worksheets are a BORE. But, put those same concepts into a game, and you’re off to the races!
Here’s what I do in my tutoring practice. I look at the goal that I want to achieve with the student. Then, I set to work finding games to practice the skill with the child. Mini-lessons may be necessary–we’re talking 15 minutes, tops– before we launch into a game, but then we spend the rest of our time engaging playfully together on the concepts. “This is fun!” students exclaim cheerfully. They can’t believe they get to engage in learning in such an enjoyable way, let alone that an adult is playing with them! How much more special it becomes when it’s their parents bonding and connecting through play.
Kids learn through play. They are naturally experiential, curious, and love a good competition (particularly if they’re winning, let’s be honest!). Game-playing is actually a skill, in and of itself, too. When you engage in games with your child, you’re not only covering the objective of the lesson, you’re also able to model turn-taking, handling mistakes, being a good sport, healthy competition, and management of emotions, win or lose.
That sounds great, you say, but you’re not sure how to fit this into your already busy schedules. I’ve got you covered.
First pro tip: Head over to teacherspayteachers.com for a wealth of free templates. Search up any topic you’d like, and filter to FREE. I’ve added some quick links to save you time, too.
Second pro tip: Place game templates in a plastic sleeve to reuse over & over again!
Here are several versatile, easy games to use with your young scholar.
Hopscotch: Grab your sidewalk chalk and get hoppin’!
Sight Word Practice: Write a letter in each box with the final box having the whole word in it. Your child will say each letter in sequence, followed by the whole word. (i.e. t-h-e-the!)
Write words that are in the reading passage for your child to have extra pre-reading practice. (i.e Word family> hop-flop-top-mop-stop)
Learning numbers? Write a number set in order. (0-9 or 11-15, etc)
BINGO!
Grab a template for BINGO and fill it in with practice words, equations, numbers, letters, sight words, shapes–whatever your child is practicing!
I often will fill in one for myself as the child fills one in alongside me. We may have the same words, or a few different ones, and we arrange them in different places from each other. Filling in the game sheet allows your child to have extra practice spelling, sounding out, and visualizing the words. BINGO! You’ll also want to make a set of calling cards.
Game boards
Just as above with BINGO, you can grab a template and write words/numbers/letters/equations on each section from start to finish. Grab a die 🎲 and game pieces 🟣 🟢 🔵 and get started! (You can use everyday items like cereal, coins, beans, candies, or toys for game pieces.)
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Blank-Game-boards-FREEBIE-6685308
Race to the Top! 🎲
This is a great way to practice a few items repeatedly. There’s 2 ways to set it up.
1. Write the target words/letters/numbers (whatever you’re wanting to practice) at the bottom of the 6 columns. Every time the die is rolled, your child will write the target item in the column above it. (ie. Say the sight word “could” is above the die with 1 dot. Child rolls a 1 and writes “could” in the column above it.) Play continues until one of the columns is filled to the top. OR continue until you have a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winner or all the way to the 6th!
2. A second way to play is to fill in the grid with your targeted practice skill. Play is the same as before, only your child will read the grid and color it in as they go.
I highly encourage you to talk to your child’s teacher and share how you’re practicing the targeted skill in a different format. Hopefully, you’ll be able to collaborate so that you can send a picture or video as evidence and leave those rote worksheets behind.
I envision your house full of good cheer, connection, and a unified front in learning together joyfully!
Spark Joy!
Amy
