{"id":51051,"date":"2016-12-29T06:00:57","date_gmt":"2016-12-29T11:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplehomeschl.wpengine.com\/?p=51051"},"modified":"2026-01-28T15:52:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T20:52:55","slug":"more-play","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/more-play\/","title":{"rendered":"How to add more play to your homeschool (and not feel guilty)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-51125 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/simplehomeschl.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/more-play-pico.jpg\" width=\"575\" height=\"387\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/more-play-pico.jpg 575w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/more-play-pico-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Written by Caitlin Curley of <a href=\"http:\/\/my-little-poppies.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">My Little Poppies<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"alert\"><i>From history to language arts, math to music, and everything in between, <a href=\"http:\/\/my-little-poppies.com\/best-family-games\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>don&#8217;t miss Cait&#8217;s full list of games for every subject!<\/strong><\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"drop_cap\">A\u00a0<\/span>week before Christmas, my husband turned to me and asked, &#8220;<em>So&#8230; have they been doing any math?&#8221;*<\/em><\/p>\n<p>I felt myself bristle at his words. I sat up straighter, jaw set, defensive. &#8220;Of course we&#8217;ve done<em> math!&#8221;<\/em> I sputtered.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We\u00a0<em>had<\/em> done math, just not much <em>traditional<\/em> math because\u00a0it was the holidays.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>My mind raced:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>We had read piles of math storybooks<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>The kids had followed a recipe for bird cookies independently, tripling the recipe so they would each have plenty<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>There had been lots of baking<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>The children had done some holiday shopping<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>We had watched <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2i7EQ3O\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">a favorite DVD<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>And, of course, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BNuLRYVh1TW\/?taken-by=my_little_poppies&amp;hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">we had played countless board games<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-51065 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/simplehomeschl.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Simple-Homeschool-How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-1.jpg\" alt=\"How to Play More in Your Homeschool (And Not Feel Guilty) How to Add More Play to Your Homeschool (And Not Feel Guilty)\" width=\"575\" height=\"736\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Simple-Homeschool-How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-1.jpg 575w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Simple-Homeschool-How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-1-234x300.jpg 234w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>But there was nothing\u00a0<em>tangible<\/em>, no proof. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>And that happens <em>a lot<\/em> with homeschooling.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the intangible nature of our pre-Christmas mathematics, I was prepared to defend my case. After all, I know how well my children learn when I combine fantastic read alouds, experiential learning, and educational games.<\/p>\n<p>I need not have worried; he believed me. There were no further questions. The doubt had passed.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>* Now this is where I need to pause and tell you that my husband is my biggest homeschool supporter and cheerleader, but even the most amazing homeschool dads fall victim to occasional <a href=\"http:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/haunted\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">doubt and second-guessing<\/a>&#8230; especially during holiday chaos!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>The truth is, I used to doubt this approach to learning.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Is it okay to set curriculum aside and pick up a book?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Can games be considered curriculum?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Does this really count as homeschooling?<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Thankfully, this doubt has passed, too. I&#8217;ve been homeschooling long enough to know when we are doing something well.<\/p>\n<p><strong>I even have a name for it: <em><a href=\"http:\/\/thehomeschoolsisters.com\/2016\/10\/25\/gameschooling-learning-through-play\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">gameschooling<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-51067 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/simplehomeschl.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-1.jpg\" alt=\"How to Play More in Your Homeschool (And Not Feel Guilty) How to Add More Play to Your Homeschool (And Not Feel Guilty)\" width=\"575\" height=\"575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-1.jpg 575w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-1-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-1-130x130.jpg 130w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>How to add more play to your homeschool (and not feel guilty)<\/h4>\n<p>Our homeschool is not perfect, not even close. We have hard days and crabby days and sick days and full-of-doubt days, just like everyone else.<\/p>\n<p>We have <a href=\"http:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/coffee-and-books\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">hard seasons<\/a>\u00a0when motivation plummets and you just feel\u00a0<em>stuck.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>But, right now, we are in a <em>good<\/em> season and I&#8217;d like to share it with you, just in case\u00a0<em>you\u00a0<\/em>are feeling stuck. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I hope it will help.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Yes, homeschooling\u00a0<em>can<\/em> be [almost] all fun and games. I&#8217;d like to show you how.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Put simply: play matters.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-51052 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/simplehomeschl.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/PLAY-QUOTE.jpg\" alt=\"How to Add More Play to Your Homeschool (And Not Feel Guilty)\" width=\"575\" height=\"575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/PLAY-QUOTE.jpg 575w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/PLAY-QUOTE-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/PLAY-QUOTE-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/PLAY-QUOTE-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/PLAY-QUOTE-130x130.jpg 130w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>In our homeschool, we play board games every single day. They are part of our homeschool curriculum.\u00a0<\/strong>Time and time again, I have witnessed amazing learning and growth happen with this approach to learning.<\/p>\n<p><strong>I am convinced that, with a little planning, you could create an entire curriculum using educational board games and high-quality read alouds.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-51068 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/simplehomeschl.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-4.jpg\" alt=\"How to Play More in Your Homeschool (And Not Feel Guilty) How to Add More Play to Your Homeschool (And Not Feel Guilty)\" width=\"575\" height=\"575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-4.jpg 575w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-4-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-4-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-4-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-4-130x130.jpg 130w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Games are fantastic learning tools because they allow children to practice skills is a safe, supportive way&#8230; without red marks and criticism. Games encourage conversation, build connection, and make memories.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Still unsure? Let me give you some examples, broken down by subject.<\/p>\n<h2>Math<\/h2>\n<p>Everyone is always worried about math and I&#8217;m here to tell you that games have not only improved my children&#8217;s mathematical skills, but they have also boosted their confidence!<\/p>\n<p>Here are just a few of our family&#8217;s favorite math games:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hNLWax\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Countdown!<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; This game is so versatile. It can be played solo\u00a0or with up to four players and it is a great way to work on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and\/or division- whatever you need to practice!<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hoLRZU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Sumoku <\/a>&#8211;\u00a0I always describe this game as a mathematical Bananagrams. Best of all? It fits in your purse!<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hNLeu2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Prime Climb<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; This is a\u00a0visual masterpiece and our family&#8217;s favorite math game.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>And while we&#8217;re on the subject of math, let&#8217;s not forget logic.<\/strong> There are many fantastic logic games on the market today including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2iqWH3o\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Rush Hour<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; If pressed to choose, this would be our family&#8217;s favorite one-player game. Kids love it!<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2iEEhvp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Blokus<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; This is one of those games that can be explained in two minutes and enjoyed for years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-51066 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/simplehomeschl.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-2.jpg\" alt=\"How to Play More in Your Homeschool (And Not Feel Guilty) How to Add More Play to Your Homeschool (And Not Feel Guilty)\" width=\"575\" height=\"394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-2.jpg 575w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/How-to-Play-More-in-Your-Homeschool-And-Not-Feel-Guilty-2-300x206.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Language Arts<\/h2>\n<p>There are countless games to choose from in this category. Our favorite games for pre-readers (and beyond) include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2htmPMB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Tell Me a Story Cards<\/a>\u00a0and <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2iEDTkt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rory&#8217;s Story Cubes<\/a>\u00a0Both of these games work on imagination, creativity, and verbal skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For early readers, we love <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hwGFba\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Sight Word Zingo<\/a>&#8230; and kids do, too! <strong>I credit this game for helping all three of my children learn to read.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Older children will enjoy the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2i7JMWt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Bananagrams<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; This crossword-style game is easy to learn and always a hit, plus it travels well.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hNN4uN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Boggle<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; Kids love this word search game, and it helps them learn spelling rules.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Science and Nature<\/h2>\n<p><strong>If I ever feel like we&#8217;ve been slacking on science, I pull out one of our favorite games.<\/strong> Examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2i7Ganf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Gravity Maze<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; In this one-player logic game, children learn the concept of gravity and cause-and-effect using a marble run.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.scienceninjas.com\/buy-the-game\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Valence<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; The only requirement to play this card game is that children be able to add to zero. Kids will love the stunning graphics and they will learn advanced chemistry concepts.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hNRhyL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Hit the Habitat Trail<\/a> &#8211; In this game, kids learn all about animals, habitats, and environmental concerns.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2i7PsiS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Cardline Animals<\/a> &#8211; This card game teaches children about various animals and sequencing as they race to put cards in order according to one of three categories: lifespan, size, or weight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>History and Geography<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hwE3Kt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Timeline<\/a> &#8211; I am thankful that my <a href=\"http:\/\/thehomeschoolsisters.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">homeschool sister<\/a>, Kara, introduced our family to this game, which is available in several versions and is such a fun way to learn history.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2ierd0M\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">GeoBingo<\/a> &#8211; Available in both USA and World editions, this game will teach your children geography in no time!<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hNKmpc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">Flag Frenzy<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; If your children love Spot It, they will adore Flag Frenzy&#8230; and they will learn flags from around the globe!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What about all those other subjects?<\/h2>\n<p>I promise you, there is a game for <em>every<\/em> subject.<\/p>\n<p>With a little planning, you can cover <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2iqXPUH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">coding\/technology<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2ihsFSg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">art<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2htjm0p\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">music<\/a>, and even <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2iEJdQY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">gym class<\/a>. There are even games that help children learn to <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2i7IUB6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">work together<\/a> and improve <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hoK8Ux\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\u201dnofollow\u201d noopener noreferrer\">social and communication skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Amazing learning happens when a family plays together. Trust me.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-51057 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/simplehomeschl.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/happy-talent.jpg\" alt=\"How to Add More Play to Your Homeschool (And Not Feel Guilty)\" width=\"575\" height=\"575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/happy-talent.jpg 575w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/happy-talent-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/happy-talent-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/happy-talent-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/happy-talent-130x130.jpg 130w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>Give yourself permission to have more fun in the new year<\/h4>\n<p>So much learning happens when you relax and let it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"alert\"><i>Tell us: Are you a gameschooling family? What is your favorite game right now? Share here.<\/i><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><em>This post contains affiliate links.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Written by Caitlin Curley of My Little Poppies From history to language arts, math to music, and everything in between, don&#8217;t miss Cait&#8217;s full list of games for every subject! A\u00a0week before Christmas, my husband turned to me and asked, &#8220;So&#8230; have they been doing any math?&#8221;* I felt myself bristle at his words. I&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":102,"featured_media":51125,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[331,329],"tags":[204],"class_list":["post-51051","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-curriculum-resources","category-learning-curriculum","tag-gameschooling"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to add more play to your homeschool (and not feel guilty)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ditch the guilt and enjoy more play in the new year. Cait shares tips and tricks for using board games in your homeschool...they count as curriculum!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/more-play\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to add more play to your homeschool (and not feel guilty)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Ditch the guilt and enjoy more play in the new year. 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