Family Educational Activities

Kids of all ages can benefit from educational games.

Just because your kids are having fun, doesn't mean they can't be learning. There are a number of educational activities that families can enjoy together that will not only give you an opportunity for quality time, but help your children learn concepts and skills in a way that amuses and entertains them.

Board Games

Having a weekly or monthly family game night can be highly educational. Board games allow kids to practice skills like reading, spelling, counting, working with money or strategic planning. Old favorites like chess, checkers, Monopoly, Scrabble and Othello are easy to find and fairly inexpensive. Some games, like Operation and Mouse Trap, can help younger kids work on fine motor skills.

Camping

If you love escaping to the great outdoors, you'll be happy to know that your weekend camping trip can be a prime learning opportunity for your kids. Just being out and observing nature can teach children a number of things about the world around them. You can pass on basic survival and outdoor skills, such as how to build a fire or find fresh water. Don't forget to pack a field guide that is specific to the region where you are camping. If kids see an interesting looking bird, bug or flower, have them look it up. This can spark their interest in all the beautiful diversity found in nature. Bring binoculars, cameras and notebooks so that kids can enjoy exploring and expressing themselves.

Plant a Garden

Whether you have a huge yard, a small pot or just a few window boxes, create a family garden together. Gardening can teach kids about botany, the life cycle of plants, where food comes from and proper nutrition. Kids can get involved in the planning stages, such as helping decide what to grow and mapping out the garden plan. They can get their hands in the dirt to plant seeds and transplant seedlings. Together you can watch and nurture your garden, and once you harvest your herbs, fruits or vegetables, you can all cook together.

Scrapbook Your Family History

Scrapbooking your family history has many benefits. The actual scrapbooking part allows children to express themselves artistically and learn basic art concepts such as visual balance, color coordination and using positive and negative space. Researching your family history can also teach them about their ancestors and lineage, as well as the different eras in history during which your relatives lived. The best part is that the end result will provide them with a keepsake they will treasure, and perhaps pass down to their own kids some day.

Build Something

If you are handy with tools, take the kids to the workshop and get started on a family project. Building teaches children practical skills and tool safety, and it is an excellent way to introduce them to or help them practice their measuring skills. Work together to build a go kart, a bookcase for their bedroom or a dog house. What you build doesn't matter as much as spending the time working together and passing down your skills.

References

• Scholastic; "The Benefits of Board Games"; Alvin Rosenfeld; 2011
• Kids Gardening; "Gardening At Every Age"; Cheryl Dorschner; 2010