sometimes i get ruffled by the everyday noise of five kids schooling at once in the same house.  we’re raising noisemakers, although it’s usually humming or enjoying background music via pandora.  sometimes, i get a little hair-gripping-crazy impatient and just want to rush through the “requirements,” skipping past any fun that might incidentally happen.  thankfully, when i do, my littles are sure to help me in the “creative mama,” or rather, “crafty kid,” department!

 

 

recently e. made up two review games that he and blue enjoy together when they’re reviewing memory work.  i was pretty impressed (they’re way more fun than me), and i thought maybe other mamas and students could use it, as well.

 

game #1:

the boys draw a circle with two tracks extending in “wavy tracks” from either side, divided into game spaces.  each space gets labeled with a subject of study.  the first space on each track  (furthest from the circle) is labeled “start,” with each player’s name.  the circle in the middle gets the words “memory master,” (a classical conversations title), or “something encouraging,” according to e.

 

each player rolls the dice and uses the game piece of his choice (we’re big fans of playmobil) to move that number of spaces, minus two (a two or 1 equals no move; this is, as e. explains, so they don’t run out of game board too quickly).  if you miss a question, you must return to “start.”

 

 

the winner is the player who first reaches the “master” circle.

 

game #2:

draw a game board, creating a “maze” of sorts, with a path divided into squares.

roll the dice.  your opponent picks a subject (in this house, the one they think will be hardest for you!), and asks you a review question from that subject.

 

 

if you answer correctly, move your game piece the number of spaces rolled.  if you answer incorrectly, move back the number of spaces rolled (players at “start” remain in place for an incorrect answer).

the first person to the end of the maze wins!

i’m pretty sure this game would work well for any curriculum… be sure and share below if you’ve got any “crafty kids” ideas for your child’s schooling!