learning games – Astute Hoot

How to Find Balance with Virtual Learning

August 30, 2020January 20, 2021By astutehoot

Love or hate it, virtual learning has become our new reality. As a reading interventionist and kindergarten teacher, this has been a difficult and daunting shift for us as we wholeheartedly believe in multi-modal, hands-on instruction.

One of our biggest challenges has been keeping young children engaged and motivated during virtual learning. It is important for us to find balance between screen time and authentic, hands-on learning. Here are our top 4 ways we’ve enhanced virtual learning for our students: Read more

Games That Teach: Part 4

February 28, 2012July 27, 2013By astutehoot

Use dice, playing cards and poker chips to practice number recognition, counting, and basic facts in a game-like format. This is great way to make math time fun, especially for kiddos (and maybe parents) with math anxiety.

Games That Teach: Part 2

December 2, 2011July 27, 2013By astutehoot

Use a Sharpie or sticker to put letters or numbers on the hoods of matchbox cars. Children can practice letter, sound and/or number recognition as they play. They can also practice lining them up in alphabetical or numerical order. This a great way to “trick” them into playing learning games. It worked for my boys! 🙂

Games That Teach: Part 1

October 23, 2011July 27, 2013By astutehoot

Turn Hopscotch into a fun learning game! Use chalk to draw a hopscotch and fill in the squares with a specific concept (numbers, shapes, letters, sight words, etc.). Kids will have so much fun jumping and moving while learning basic academic skills.

Reading with your kiddos at home…

August 7, 2011July 27, 2013By astutehoot

Parents, does this sound familiar: “I’m too tired to read,” “You read it to me mommy,” “I already read at school today.” Sometimes having kids practice their reading at home can turn into a chore or a fight, even when children are capable readers. I was experiencing this at home with my own son, and my students at school. This inspired me to collaborate with my partners and develop the “Hoo Can Read?” flashcards. This learning game makes reading time fun and eliminates all the anxieties and frustrations children have with reading. By providing choices, support, and taking turns reading, children begin to experience success, increase their confidence, and become motivated to read. It is truly amazing to me that now my son and my students who used to avoid reading, now BEG me to get the “owl” cards and read with them!