Board games make an excellent addition to any homeschooling curriculum.

Board games are not only fun, they make a great complement to any homechooling curriculum. Whether you use a traditional approach to homeschool, classical, or more free-form, games create a welcome way to develop or practice growing skills.

Games emphasize skills like math, reasoning, logic, and various social skills. Using board games to practice these skills help make learning fun, and a change from worksheets and books.

Board games can be used at any time during the homeschool year, but they can be especially helpful during the cold winter months where much time is spent indoors.

Here are some ideas for games for the different age groups. However, age recommendations are just that – approximate. Feel free to use games that fit your child’s personality best.

Preschool/Kindergarten – Games for this age-set can be very simple. The point here is to emphasize basic skills, such as counting, colors, and taking turns. Children this age are often (but not always) more interested in the game itself than in the outcome. At this age, helping children understand the give-and-take of playing games is an important skill.

• Excellent Pick: Cariboo, by Cranium (ages 3 and up) – Easy and fun, this game helps children practice shape recognition, color recognition, letter recognition, and counting in a way that is exciting. A great first game for little ones.
• Some good Preschool games: Go Fish, Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land, any kind of matching game.

Early Elementary (ages 6-9) – Board games in this age group can be basic or can expand to games that are more complicated. Rules become more important at this age, and who wins and who loses is carefully noted. Again, skills like counting are still good to be emphasized at this age. However, more advanced skills like cooperation, reasoning, money skills, creative thinking, and strategy help children in many areas, in many ways.

• Excellent Pick: Blokus, by Educational Insights (ages 5 and up). Each player must place pieces of one color according to certain rules. The pieces are of all different shapes. This game emphasizes strategy and reasoning, as well as spatial perception. All of this is in a format that is very easy to learn.
• Some good Early Elementary games: Dominoes, Monopoly, Chinese Checkers, Checkers, Mancala, Mousetrap, Uno, SkipBo, No Stress Chess, Whonuu and Cadoo (both by Cranium).

Middle Childhood (ages 9-12) - Rules rule at this age! Games can be much more involved. Games of strategy and games of teamwork are good at this age.

• Excellent Pick: Apples to Apples, Jr. (ages 9 and up) – a game using reasoning, word, and thinking skills. This is a great game to get you talking, and results in some suprising explanations.
• Some good Middle Childhood games: Monopoly, the Game of Life, Clue, Jenga, Yahtzee, Sorry!, Trouble, Chess.

Teenage to Adult - By 13, many children have developed skills that allow them to play games as skillfully as any adult. Continue to look for games that use math skills, strategy, logic, and reasoning. Card games are a great way to add many of these skills in.

• Excellent Pick: Da Vinci’s Challenge, by BriarPatch (ages 8-adult). This is a fun game involving skill, strategy, and a quick eye. Play is centered around the ancient Flower of Life symbol. Players must fill in the shapes using their blocks, and points are awarded for various shapes made. This game is basically easy, but the stragegy involved is quite challenging. Best for 2 players only, although can be played in teams.
• Some good Teen to Adult games – all of the above and almost anything else! Card games, multimedia games, Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, Cranium, Scattergories, and the list goes on.

Obviously, these are just a few suggestions from the many games out there. Find what works for you and your children. Just remember, games make a great way to practice many educational skills in a way the whole family can enjoy!

In this day and age of computer games and television, some fun kids outdoor games and activities are what we need to get our kids physically fit and active.

Kids these days are hooked on to Television and Video games. A little bit of fresh air can provide huge health benefits. Here are some fun games and outdoor activities for children that your preschooler will enjoy.

1. Have a neighbourhood Bug or Insect Hunt

Here is an outdoor activity for a warm sunny afternoon. When you are out on a neighbourhood walk with your little one, try this game. Its easy to begin by trying to find simple things like “Who can point to a birds nest first?” Simple games like this one are enough to get a preschooler all excited.

2. Create A Map

If you are out camping with your preschooler there are plenty of fun kids outdoor games and activities that you can do. Try this one of making a map.

After a bit of hiking, sit your preschooler down with some crayons and a paper and ask them to draw a map of where you have walked and landmark you have seen.

You will be amazed to see and listen to a preschoolers view of things.You don’t have to restrict this kind of activity to camping alone. Try this even on a simple walk back from from your neighbourhood with your little one and it is still a fun activity.

3. Duck Duck Goose

If you plan to entertain few little guests outdoors, this is one of the most popular traditional kids outdoor games that they can play.

Ask the kids to sit down, facing inwards, forming a circle. One of the kid is chosen to be the “It”. The “It” is supposed to walk around the outer side of the circle, tapping on each kids head, and calling out, “duck” or “goose”

The “duck” stays put, and the “goose” is supposed to stand up and chase the “It”" around the circle. The “goose” has to tag the “It” before he or she can sit on the empty spot in the circle left behind by the new “goose”

If the “goose” tags the “It”, then they can sit back in the empty spot and if the “goose” cant’ tag the “It”, they become the new “It”.Where as if the “It” manages to reach and sit on the empty spot in the circle, the “goose” then become the new “It”.

These are just few of fun kids outdoor games which kids can enjoy playing.

Children play in different ways, and play time is very important for the overall development of your kid. Girls and boys have different playing habits, and that is the main reason behind the segregation of toys to girl’s category and boy’s category. Some toys are equally popular among boys and girls. You will get confused by seeing lots of toys at a toy store, and will not be able to choose one for your boy. Some research has to be done from your part, so that you will know how your kid is benefited from that particular toy. Boys will have the tendency to update their toy collection which is in latest vogue among their friends.

Some people believe, that boys are supposed to play with the toys belonging to their category and girls with theirs. But there is no specific rule regarding this behavior. Most of the girls will have the tendency to imitate their brothers who are playing with a water pistol or play bike which is considered as boy’s toys. But the common trend among the boys is their attraction towards trains, cars, toy guns and action games. Girls will be happy to choose soft toys, dolls, cooking toys, play house, play kitchen and dolls costumes. The main difference in the selection lies in their way of thinking towards future. Boys want to imitate their action heroes when they grow up. Anyone who is interested in activities like car race will show an attraction towards toys like cars, bikes etc. Toys chosen by boys are more action oriented and the want to enjoy the thrill, speed and adventure associated with it.

Boys are attracted to toys which allow them to show off the masculine power. They dislike girl’s activity of brushing their favorite doll’s hair. The common vogue among boys is the latest gadget toys which uses remote controls and sensors. Boys have a common liking towards remote controlled vehicles and robots. These game consoles are a bit expensive so that only few fortunate one can own those.

Earlier days kids couldn’t get a chance to experience these common complex games. Those days the toys possessed by boys were so simple like Toy soldiers, wooden toys, trains, kite etc. It is very common phenomenon that boys try to imitate their father more than their mom. Men also are fond of electronic gadgets where they always spend a significant amount of time reviewing the gadgets. Naturally boys are attracted to the smaller versions that are the toy gadgets.

Gerianne Alexander, a psychologist at Texas A&M University in College Station conducted an experiment in monkeys regarding the role of sex difference for choosing the toy category and revealed that male monkeys played with toy cars while females with dolls. The behavioral differences between the sexes are studies by applying the latest principles of genetics and neuroscience. But generally speaking boy’s toys that are always in vogue include toy trains, bikes, race cars, fire brigade, guns, robots balls, swords and such other exciting stuff.

Today with the advancement of technology and variety of products in every field it has been easy to educate kids with the help of toys. There are a lot of educational toys in the market and many of them are really wonderful. The design and the purpose of each toy should be clearly matching, and at the same time the toy should be interesting for the kids. The most important part of toys is that they are meant for fun and recreation. So this basic feature should be there in any toy, whether it is an educational toy or any other. When the child finds interest in the toy, he will immediately learn what you want him to. You should also keep in mind that the toy should not be boring and monotonous, in any case so that the child feels enthusiastic while playing with it.

While buying educational toys for your kid you should check out your kid’s interest, so that your money does not get wasted if you buy anything else. Children will never like to touch toys they don’t find interesting. When the child is too small like few months old you can buy toys that will teach them different colors or shapes and concept of big and small or fat and thin and so on. It is easy to keep the child busy with such toys until they reach the age, where they can decide on their own, what tehy want to do. Here at this point, you will have to carefully choose the toys and try to create interest in your child, in such a manner, that he or she believes that they would like to play with the toy themselves and not because mom or dad is saying so. It is a tough job but here is the responsibility of the parents and the teachers.

It is good to educate your child without putting too much of pressure on them, thereby giving them stress, or making them feel that they are learning something. But at the same time kids need to play some games that involve them physically and keeps them fit in all sense. It is seen nowadays that kids are getting self-centered and like to play indoors rather than go and play out. This attitude of the modern day kids is making them obese and unhealthy in the long run. So parents should perfectly balance the educational toys with toys that are enjoyed and involve the child physically. This is an important step that should be taken from the very beginning and parents should understand that a child needs some outdoor games along with those educational toys.

Today toy companies are becoming conscious and are designing such toys that offer both fun and some challenge. You should let the child first see and test the toy in the store so that you will know whether he will play with it or not especially when it is an expensive one. You cannot force any child to play with the toys just because you think it is good for him and that will not give good results too. Also check the safety measures before buying the toys.

If you have had enough of the kids spending all their time in front of a television or a computer screen, the time has come to get them out of house and into the fresh air and sunshine. One of the best ways to encourage outdoor activity and plenty of exercise is with the aid of fun outdoor toys. Here are some examples of toys that may be just what you need to entice the kids to get up, get out, and have some fun.

There are outdoor toys that will work for just about any age and gender group. For young boys, Air Hogs has a varied line of toys that will do the trick. The RC planes are a lot of fun, and also very inexpensive. Small and made of plastic and Styrofoam components, these RC planes will stand up to a lot of wear and can be had for around $40.00. The RC Aero Ace Jet will also delight the kids and sells for around the same price. For ore fun, there is the RC Air Hogs Super bike that retails for around $20.00.

For younger children, outdoor toys often means water toys. Check out the range of offerings such as Aquaplay, WHAM-O Slip N Slide, and various water guns that are ideal for running around and cooling off at the same time. Many of these water toys can be purchased at discount retail outlets and at online stores for very little cost.

Hand held toys such as pinwheels are a lot of fun. They are inexpensive, come in a wide range of colors, and are ideal for spending sometime outside under the trees. The kids may even get into trading pinwheels with their friends.

How about some wheels to maneuver around the yard or perhaps the neighborhood? If your kids want to get a little mobile, consider a classic Radio Flyer, kettle r, or a Razor Scooter. You can find some great options for wheeled toys at local stores.

Keep in mind that purchasing creative toys is only part of the process for getting the kids out into the open air. Parents need exercise and sunshine too. Make it a point to spend time outside with your kids and you may rediscover some of the delights from your own childhood. Toss around a football, fly a kite, or play games like Tag. Not only will both you and your kids get some exercise, but you also will build some great memories together.

Hi, I’m Romain Levesque Author of the article and owner of the website: http://www.details4life.com

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When it comes to giving to a child, the first things that come to mind are toys or books. Perhaps choosing a toy is easier than a book. There are certain things to keep in mind, when it comes to choosing the right book to give a child.

The first thing to consider is the age and gender of the child. After that, to know what the subject of the book should be. Perhaps it helps to speak with the parents of the child concerning the child’s interests and hobbies. For example, if it is a male child, who is fascinated by cars and bikes, the book selected should contain pictures of these, and if the child is slightly older, then maybe written matter could accompany the pictures.

Understanding certain patterns in a child’s growth helps to choose a book correctly. A child of 2-3 years sees a connection between pages and the story, pictures, and words. They love to have the book read to them repeatedly and they do not tire, as every time something new dawns on them. They love and enjoy books that carry colorful and attractive illustrations.

There are those books that help them anticipate and learn the next word, line and even an episode. They never seem to tire of the repetitions. These books normally have a large print and gradually the child also learns to follow and recognize each word as you read along.

Other choice of books could contain fairy tales, animal stories, epics, or fables as in Aesop’s Fables or other relevant subject. One should preferably avoid the religious based books and definitely those that are adult in nature, which include violence and sex.

One book that helps a child to learn about the different months and seasons is ‘Chicken Soup’. This book has a singsong rhyme tone and fun with simple illustrations.

The best way to select is to mention your requirements to the bookstore salesman, who will help you choose the right kind of book.

The age group that makes it the most difficult to select a book for are teenagers. Yet there is a wide range and choice of classic books and books by famous authors like Nancy Drew, Jane Austin, Mark Twain, and some others. You could also choose Hardy Boy series, The Secret Seven, Enid Blyton series and such others.

To help a child develop a love for reading is the best gift one could offer a child. You help give the child educational success and a worthwhile occupation at any time, and any place. Hence, choosing the right book will make a difference to the child. Give a child with the right book containing certain themes like the power of love to transform things, the value of good imagination, the strength to face the unknown and overcome difficult situations, to help make one’s way through life.

Therapeutic Boarding Schools

There has been a long tradition of boarding schools of all kinds where students can get an education while living in a community of peers away from home. Since the 1960′s, there has been an ever increasing trend of combining the academic atmosphere of traditional boarding schools and treatment for troubled and struggling youth. As psychotherapy has lost its social stigma and an increasing number of young people are on behavioral medication Therapeutic Boarding Schools have become popular as a softer alternative to all-boys military boarding schools of the past.

Who are they for?

Therapeutic boarding schools now offer a wide range of services and programs for young people who are having conflicts with their families and getting involved with drugs and alcohol. Many schools also treat depression, adoption issues, eating disorders, learning disabilities, personality disorders and other behavioral and emotional issues. They can range from outdoor ranch-style home-like settings to well kept campuses with individual dorm rooms or home-stay programs located around a special school or a combination.

What do they offer?

Some therapeutic boarding schools offer the same facilities and a comparable curriculum as top college prep schools offering Advanced Placement courses, competitive sports, fine arts programs and horseback riding with therapy treatments available while others are more intensive and provide a structured and clinical therapy centered approach with academic credit.

How much do they cost?

Therapeutic boarding schools can be expensive and usually range from $30,000 to $50,000 a year and educational loans are also an option. They usually provide weekly individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, access to AA/NA meetings and some form of family therapy either in person with family programming or over the phone. Depending on the institution, there can be a variety of recreational activities and experiential therapies such as a hiking, horseback riding, triathlon training, martial arts, yoga and volunteer and work opportunities.

Ultimately, finding an appropriate therapeutic boarding schools is challenging and while there are many that provide wonderful support and help to struggling young people, there are others that are less student centered and more profit conscience. Parents should strongly consider meeting with an education consultant who specializes in placing clients in therapeutic boarding schools before making a decision.