I’m a firm believer that not all learning involves memorizing 4 x 2 and reciting the state capitols.  For the record, I’m also a firm believer in flash cards and knowing that Helena goes with Montana, I just don’t think that’s the only way kids learn.

My middle son, for example, was a multiplication whiz at the ripe old age of 4, not because he’d ever seen a flash card, but because we played Monopoly Jr ad nauseum.  That little boy loved nothing more than to play that game over and over again.  Play money or not, he learned very quickly how to tally up his winnings, which came in handy a few years later when he had to memorize his multiplication facts.

Monopoly doesn’t have a monopoly on learning, though.  There are all sorts of games that foster kids’ thinking skills, and I’m happy to report that as your kids get older, they won’t be b-o-r-e-d games for you anymore…you can enjoy them, too!  If you’re looking for a few to add to your family’s repertoire, here are some of our favorites:

Mastermind (also Mastermind for kids)

Life (not the new one with the credit card–unless that’s the skill you’re working on!)

Clue (also Clue Jr)

A few other games my kids like:  Battleship, chess, checkers, chinese checkers, scrabble, and the new Harry Potter Lego game, which I have to admit I like playing, too.

What about you?  Have you found games your family enjoys, that just happen to help your kids learn something, too?