| Whether you're a classroom teacher or a home | | | | because they are self-motivated. Plus, they will |
| schooling parent, the best way to motivate your | | | | tend to help each other acquire the skills needed |
| students is through some sort of authentic | | | | to play the games because they are anxious to |
| instruction. | | | | have some fun together. You can use popular |
| What is authentic instruction? | | | | games to teach a variety of skills in various |
| Well, it's simply instruction that is based on real | | | | content areas. Try such favorites as Monopoly, |
| world tasks. As students complete these tasks | | | | The Game of Life, Jeopardy, and Password. |
| they can immediately see HOW what they are | | | | But you can also create your own original games |
| learning applies to their real lives - both inside and | | | | to enhance the quality of instruction in your |
| OUTSIDE the classroom. A good way to provide | | | | classroom. You probably already have many |
| authentic instruction is through games. When | | | | materials that can be used to create fun learning |
| students need to learn certain skills in order to | | | | games for your students. Items like playing cards, |
| play enjoyable games, they will become engaged | | | | dominoes, toothpicks, coins, construction paper, |
| in the principles and concepts you teach because | | | | cardboard, etc. can all be used to make learning |
| they will want to be able to use their new skills to | | | | games that can be played over and over again. |
| play the games. | | | | So start thinking of ways to add games to your |
| The nicest part of this type of authentic | | | | instruction and you'll find that teaching is easier for |
| instruction is that kids tend to pick up the skills | | | | you and learning is much easier, and more fun, for |
| needed to play games rather quickly, simply | | | | your students. |