Play and Learn: The Intersection of Gameschooling and Montessori!
People tell me all the time: “Aubrey, my child ONLY WANTS TO PLAY!” There is so much room for play in Montessori—in fact, Maria said “Play is the work of the child.” Did you know that there is ALSO an entire learning methodology that utilizes that drive to play to support a child’s education? Whether you’re reinforcing math skills, encouraging a reluctant reader to practice, or working on skills of cooperation and competition, Gameschooling likely has something to offer your homeschool. As a bonus: it’s incredibly compatible with Montessori!
Today, we're talking about gameschooling!
I'm Aubrey Hargis, Montessorian and mom of two, and homeschooling - especially Montessori homeschooling is my jam! I love spending time with my children. We can "school" at home in so many ways. Learning is supposed to playful, so we play. Old games, new games, made up games...and it's awesome for me, too... because education is a journey we take with our children, and the opportunities for learning start over every day.
Hey, Sweet Friend
Today we are taking a look at Gameschooling! This educational approach is great for connection and for having fun as a family. It also merges beautifully with Montessori! I’m talking about some of the benefits and offering some practical tips in this episode.
But first: we are here at the start of a new year and MANY people are thinking about organization and planning--I know I am! If you are looking for support in homeschool planning, consider grabbing my FREE Homeschool Planner, and take the time to watch the free mini-course I made to go along with it!
Meet Diane
Today, I'm spotlighting Diane. She’s a Homeschool of the Redwoods Primary Alumni, a mama to one sweet toddler and the director of a small, in-home daycare! You can read more about Diane and what her days are like here.
What is Gameschooling?
At heart, Gameschooling really is EXACTLY what it sounds like! It’s about valuing games & playful learning in the education of your child. It’s a great way to engage and bond as a family--but within boundaries and rules that help everyone practice some basic tenets of socialization AND grace and courtesy. In my opinion, this is of just as much importance as any academic skill your child might practice while they play.
Why Gameschool?
It simulates and helps prepare children for future social life: there are some basic rules in our society to which we expect everyone to adhere. Gameschooling can provide really practical and in the moment experiences and opportunities to further develop and hone the child’s understanding of the social contract. This doesn’t mean we are asking them to accept rules or norms that are unfair; but it does mean we are giving them the opportunity to navigate and understand what those norms are.
It offers opportunities for practicing social skills: How to win or lose gracefully, compromise, cooperation--all of these come up when playing games. In Montessori, we often practice these in Grace and Courtesy lessons; gameschooling offers a hands-on, practical opportunity to use those skills they’ve been practicing! They encourage discussion and communication, as well.
It can help develop cognitive, physical, and emotional skills: many games offer opportunity for fine and/or gross motor practice; several offer indirect opportunities to practice reading, writing, math, and logic without drills or tests; and almost EVERY game involves the child practicing and managing their expectations and emotions about what is happening in the game and what the outcomes might be.
It strengthens memory: so many games require players to remember what has already been played, or to remember sequences or patterns to be successful.
It encourages problem-solving skills: what are the win conditions of the game? How can a player recover from a deficit? Which path is the correct path to take around the board? All of this is valuable problem-solving practice.
It is FUN: the surprise of the possible outcomes, the excitement of winning or losing, the opportunity to play and laugh together. These are so valuable!
Great Games To Play:
For the Toddler (1-3 years old), you’re really looking for non-competitive opportunities that provide LOTS of gross motor practice and BIG movements, like:
Obstacle courses (you can set this up INSIDE your home or outside.)
Ball throwing (yes, this is a game! No, it does not need to be competitive.)
The hokey pokey!
Hide and seek (The turn taking is so valuable--and for the youngest children, this can be as simple as hiding under a blanket and popping out.)
Simple puzzles (This is a great early problem-solving activity!)
For the Primary child (3-6 years old), I still recommend keeping things cooperative! You don’t need to drop them early into the world of winners and losers. Don’t be afraid to play on the same team, or to shift rules so that the gameplay is more cooperative.
Simple charades (Don’t worry about teams! Take turns acting out animals and guessing.)
Hot & cold (The player is warm when they are nearing the hidden object, and cool as they shift away from it!)
The floor is hot lava (This is such a great opportunity for gross motor exercise and high drama! Roleplay and pretend play in general are GREAT for this age group.)
More complex puzzles (They can try jigsaw puzzles, and puzzles without frames; build a large one together over several days, and then take it apart and put it back in the box!)
Who / What is missing? (You can play “Who is Missing?” with your family group by having one person hide under a blanket and then figure out together which family member it is! “What is Missing” is super fun to play with the Sandpaper Letters.)
Board games (There are so many amazing cooperative board games for young children; we played a lot of Hoot Owl Hoot!)
For the Lower Elementary child, ages 6-9, so many traditional and classic options are on the table! You’re still going to be mindful of your child’s sensitivities to competition, and you’re going to cater to their interests.
Card games (Many of these are great for Math practice!)
Mad libs (You can get a book, print from online, or create your own!)
Board games: Labyrinth, Clue, Scrabble (hold off if you have a struggling reader), Monopoly, Pictionary, Jenga, Checkers, Chess
Charades (Children this age are better prepared for team competitive play!)
Video games: (Wait until Elementary for these, and keep them appropriate! Avoid First-Person Shooters, try world building options like Mario Maker or Minecraft.)
Role-playing games (These can be playable online, so great for COVID times)
Hide and Seek (Yes, still!)
Gratitude
Today, I am so grateful that I learned how to lose and keep going. It taught me perseverance! I am also so grateful for all the cooperative games out there.
