Homework Games: Ideas to Make Homework Fun

How Can I Make Homework More Enjoyable for My Child?

Teachers and parents can motivate students by incorporating games into homework assignments and study guides. Learning is much more exciting and interesting to students who are able to play and learn at the same time. As a parent, you can create games that challenge your children, but there are also a wide variety of interactive websites with free games by grade level and subject.

To get started, first decide whether you'll turn current assignments into games or if you'll create your own review games for extra practice. It may be a good idea to let your child complete class assignments normally - so he or she is used to studying - and save the fun and games for review sessions.

Three Homework Game Ideas

Vocabulary Puzzles

Creating custom puzzles is a quick and easy way to provide your child a vocabulary review that doesn't involve matching or fill-in-the-blank worksheets. There are several websites that generate free puzzles based on the words you input. Once complete, the games are easily printable and can be given to your child during his or her study time. The other benefit of using puzzles as study tools is that there are a variety of types, so it shouldn't get old. For example, you can create word hunts, word jumbles, cryptograms, crossword puzzles and more.

Mad Libs

Another fun and easy-to-create homework game is the mad lib, which tests your child's knowledge of the basic parts of speech. Instead of writing out a story, you can search the Internet for worksheets or even purchase entire books full of Mad Libs from a bookstore. Additionally, if you'd prefer your son or daughter to complete the game online, there are interactive versions for him or her to play on the computer.

Math Equation Bingo

To give your child practice with mental math, you can set up a Bingo game that is appropriate for his or her level. Start by giving a range of numbers for your son or daughter and other players to choose from. For example, they can fill in the cards with any number between 1-50.

The next step is to draw a number as you would in a regular Bingo game. However, instead of calling it out, state a problem that can be solved quickly. If you draw 32, you might say, 'If you divide me by four, you get an answer of eight.' Continue until one player gets a Bingo.