I’m sure by now you know we’re avid video game players. However, what you may not know is I use video games as a part of our curriculum too. I have learned a LONG time ago that if I can find a way to make learning a game in some form or fashion our boys soak up everything we’re trying to teach them and then some in most cases. We have been Ubisoft Ambassadors for some time now. Before the holidays, we got the chance to review Boggle and Scrabble for the PS4, and I snuck in some playing time with the kids over the holiday break. I found ways to mix education and video games together even while we were on break.
One of our favorite board games is [easyazon_link identifier=”B00IFWSO94″ locale=”US” tag=”tidbitofexp-20″]Scrabble[/easyazon_link]! When we got the chance to review the PS4 version of Scrabble we was stoked. I was shocked when Jimmy jumped at the chance to play it with me. However, considering his level of spelling words has drastically increased through the years I honestly should not have been surprised.
As you can see from our words, I was taking it easy with him. However, as we played his words started to get bigger. One thing I love about Scrabble is it expands word knowledge and spelling. It also makes a person use their critical thinking skills quite a bit. Plus, you have to use your Math skills to figure out which area of the board is going to produce the most amount of points. It’s a lot of fun.
My ONE and ONLY Periscope Video SO FAR!
Crystal couldn’t wait to share it with everyone! She had to do this quick little video! If you endure this VERY rocky video you can see some of the added benefits of having this game. Not only can you play against each other in your immediate family, but if you have access to Internet connections you can play against others online.
We also got the chance to review the Boggle game for PS4 too. It’s a bit more challenging to play in my book, but it’s still just as fun. If we were able to do it, we tried to create their spelling words for the week with each game level. It wasn’t even remotely close to happening that often. Yet, we had fun racking our brains trying to create the longest words possible using the letters handed to us. I even challenged them to just try to put words together.
[tweetthis]Video games can be used for #education. Make #homeschooling fun! [/tweetthis]
There are so many benefits to playing video games. Crystal stressed before how it helps build teamwork when you play video games like LEGO games. I believe with every ounce of my being that our kids are going to need to know how to play video games and do all kinds of technology related activities in order to be able to stay ahead of the game.
Minecraft Used for Lessons
There is even a way to incorporate lessons into Minecraft. There is a long list of options available for that. I’m still debating on whether or not we want to dive into doing that. FIRST Crystal has to learn how to play this game. (She got a copy of it, but it’s been sitting in its brand new case with the plastic still on it for over a week now.) I never have wrapped my head around why it’s so enjoyable. Jimmy lives and breathes it when he’s not doing lessons.
Your kids can even create their own Minecraft game using Youth Digital. Jimmy got to try it out in exchange for a review, and he LOVED it! He didn’t get to finish all of the modules in it, but what he got to do he thoroughly devoured.
As you can see, education and video games can go hand in hand together. It’s just a matter of finding ways to make it beneficial for everyone involved.
What video games do you feel create an educational benefit for your kids?
If you liked this post then you may want to check out:
My 10 year old daughter has been into scrabble lately. I’m going to look into getting it for the PS4. We tried Monopoly on the playstation, but it was kind of a bust. It’s not the same when the computer does all the banking for you. Scrabble should be ok though as it’s pretty much the same as the board game.
You won’t regret getting a PS4 should you decide to get one. Yes, Scrabble is a lot like the board game. I agree about Monopoly not being as fun since the computer does everything for you.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. We hope to see you again soon.
I hadn’t heard of a Scrabble video game; I bet my boys would enjoy this. We love scrabble and words with friends.
This is great! We often use video games in our homeschool lessons because my son is so technologically inclined! Thank you for sharing this and for co-hosting the #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup with me!
This is a fantastic article. There are so many great resources here! Thanks so much for sharing!