Author Archives: anaturaleducator

About anaturaleducator

I have taught children and adults of all ages in traditional classrooms and alternative environments across the US, including integrated preschool, a Project-Based Learning charter school, and two science museums. With the advent of the Common Core, educators are inspired to provide interactive activities in their learning environments. Board games are an engaging alternative that allow students to build skills around content.

Carcassonne

Posted on August 29, 2014 by anaturaleducator

Carcassonne is considered a “gateway game” to Eurogames, as is Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride. It is more time intensive to teach and appropriate for older elementary through adults, but I have used the components with students as … Continue reading →

Posted in Boardgame | Tagged 2-5 players, 45+ mins, ages 9+ independent play, castles, components as toys, mapping, medieval, resource control (simple), strategy, tile laying | Leave a comment

SET!

Posted on August 26, 2014 by anaturaleducator

SET! is an easily found and low cost card game that can accommodate many ages and numbers of players with adjustments. Retailing around $10, multiple decks are useful for math warmups and middle school choice time. This game can also … Continue reading →

Posted in Boardgame | Tagged 1-6 players, ages 5+, card game, cooperative, math warmup, memory, same/different concept, visual discrimination | Leave a comment

Bandu (Bausack)

Posted on August 21, 2014 by anaturaleducator

Bandu (or Bausack abroad) is a dexerity game for people of all ages. It moves quickly, accommodates up to 6 players, and is able to be modified easily and in many ways. Bandu is out of print in the US, … Continue reading →

Posted in Boardgame | Tagged 2-6 players, all ages, auction, DIY, easily modified, fast, fine motor | Leave a comment

Welcome!

Posted on August 20, 2014 by anaturaleducator

Paradise’s Playroom has hovered in my mind during of fifteen years teaching in alternative and traditional environments across the U.S. I began teaching as an outreach and environmental educator, leading hikes in Redwoods and introducing tourists to live berried lobsters. … Continue reading →

Posted in From the Author | Tagged board games, Welcome | Leave a comment