Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

History Resources

7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

| Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 7 ways to play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids. I have more fun game ideas for teaching history on my history games page.

The beauty of an interest-based study is that it can grow from a simple interest and from one book or even a game into a full fun unit that is easily adapted to your child. 

This one stemmed from a simple game that was purchased a while back.

I wanted to pull it back out to see if I couldn’t give it new life by figuring out a few different ways to play with it.

7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

Ancient Egypt Go Fish is one of a line of history go fish games created by Birdcage Press.

Games are a wonderful way to work in historical information in a way that seems less like school and more like fun.

If you have a child that is drawn to Ancient Egypt like mine was, you will have no problem getting them excited about this game and these other resources that I have gathered for you.

Hands-on Ancient Egypt Activities

First, look at these fun hands-on activities.

While Safari Toobs are geared at younger children I have found them to be so very useful even in later stages for everything from dioramas to game pieces, decorations for a theme, and even turned into jewelry.

7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

They are probably one of the longest used homeschool items right up there with dictionaries and pencil sharpeners.

Fun History Games

Too, look at these games below which can be games that teach geography with history.

7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

Finally, look at some fun ways to use this game to do homeschool history.

7 Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

First, play by the directions. There is enough content and information that you can count it as history for the day.

Besides, learning history should be fun.

    1. Play traditional Go Fish.

    Next this just like traditional go fish except the pictures are not the same on the card.

    2. Match up cards in the same categories to create sets.

    There are 6 different categories- gods, goddesses, symbols, pharaohs, mummies, and afterlife.

    Each category has a total of 6 cards each. The object is to collect as many complete sets as you can to win.

    There is a simplified play for younger children.

    Children can ask for one of a general category for example “do you have any mummies” etc…  to create simple pairs.

    There is a mini book that comes with the cards.

    It contains the instructions as well as a breakdown of each item on every card.

    Use the mini book like a textbook to learn more about Ancient Egypt.

    7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

    There is a fun hieroglyphics chart in the book so that your child can write out a message.

    7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

    3. Play memory.

    While the pictures do not match the numbers for each category are the same and items from the same category can be matched.

    7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

    4. Pick a card to choose a history topic.

    Choose a card at random or let your child choose their topic.

    Then use the card as a topic of study to dive deeper into. Use the internet or resource books to study more about the topic.

    7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

    5. Use the cards for art inspiration.

    Use the artwork on the cards as inspiration for your child to create from.

    Your child can make their own hieroglyphics, clay sarcophagus, or paint a picture of an ancient symbol or god.

    7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

    6. Play War.

    Shuffle up the deck and divide it between two players.

    Have each player flip their top card at the same time, the player with the higher number wins the pair.

    Whoever has the most pairs at the end wins.

    To keep it educational at the beginning and end of each round players must flip through their deck and share one fun fact about Egypt.

    7. Ask random questions.

    Each player grabs a card at random, players ask up to 10 questions to try and guess the card.

    If they are able to guess correctly they get to keep the card and the player with the most at the end wins.

    Example questions- Is this card a symbol? Is this card a bug? Does this card represent a god that is a bird?

    American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

    | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    We enjoy the American history game U.S. President Go Fish for studying homeschool history.

    And we love History For Kids Go Fish Game series a lot, and with a good variety of history topics we can easily add them to several studies.

    American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

    Today is all about the U.S. Presidents Go Fish and how to use it.

    Also, we are going to take this game and build an entire presidents unit study around it with books, hands-on activities, and videos that will help you dive deep into it without cracking open a curriculum box.

    About the U.S. Presidents Go Fish Game

    Moreover, the U.S. Presidents Go Fish game is a simple game to add to a presidential unit study.

    I like it because it is a quick play game that will pack a lot of educational punch.

    Too, it comes with a little mini book that gives instructions and plays like traditional go fish but you collect all 4 presidents from each category (cold war, industrial revolution, reconstruction, etc.).

    Or kids can collect presidents by guessing them correctly based on the hints on the card the other player gives.

    You can take it on the road, use it in place of your lesson for the day or add it to your morning basket to help start the day.

    The one drawback is that as of this date, it only includes the first 44 presidents.

    American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

    Additionally, look at this list of books to use as a unit study spine or for your learning day.

    Books about U.S. Presidents

    10 Resources about U.S. Presidents and The White House

    Here are some books to add to a presidential unit study that cover a good variety of ages.

    What Presidents Are Made Of

    See America’s presidents as never before—made of objects! Using everything from blue jeans to boxing gloves, Hanoch Piven “builds” the characters of eighteen of our nation’s leaders. Revealing anecdotes accompany the creative collages and lend insight to the charismatic personalities of prominent presidents from George Washington to Barack Obama, resulting in an irresistible resource.

    Our Country's Presidents: A Complete Encyclopedia of the U.S. Presidents

    Revised and updated to include the winner of the 2020 presidential election, this photo-filled and fact-packed book is a timely must-have reference.National Geographic presents the 45 individuals who have led the U.S. in this up-to-date, authoritative, and lavishly illustrated family, school, and library reference.

    A Kid's Guide to U.S. Presidents: Fascinating Facts About Each President

    Concise and Interesting Guide to the U.S. Presidents Updated to Include President Biden

    A Kid’s Guide to U.S. Presidents contains a concise and interesting summary of each president’s background and accomplishments from George Washington to Joe Biden.The role of the president has been an important one throughout the history of the United States. This engaging look at each president and their impact on the country is the perfect introduction to get kids interested and excited about learning about history and politics.

    Politics for Beginners

    While it isn't specifically about the presidency, this book offers a lot of good information on political parties, elections, and the presidents relationships with other people who hold important political careers.

    Fandex Family Field Guides: Presidents

    Fandex Family Field Guides: Presidents is a chronological field guide to all 45 of America's chief executives, from George Washington to Donald J. Trump. A hands-on reference, it includes more than 50 grommeted, die-cut cards featuring a full-color image of each president along with facts about his personal and political life.Which President made the Louisiana Purchase? Which President won a Nobel Peace Prize? Which President also served as justice of the Supreme Court? Who was in office during the Teapot Dome scandal, and who endured the childhood nickname “Useless”?

    Toobs: USA Presidents

    8 PROFESSIONALLY SCULPTED FIGURINES – This themed collection is perfect for U.S. History buffs. It includes 8 professional sculpted busts of some of the most influential presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and JFK.

    Who Was George Washington?

    In 1789, George Washington became the first president of the United States. He has been called the father of our country for leading America through its early years. Washington also served in two major wars during his lifetime: the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. With over 100 black-and-white illustrations, Washington's fascinating story comes to life - revealing the real man, not just the face on the dollar bill!

    Where Is the White House?

    The history of the White House, first completed in 1799, reflects the history of America itself. It was the dream of George Washington to have an elegant "presidential mansion" in the capital city that was named after him. Yet he is the only president who never got to live there. All the rest have made their mark--for better or worse--on the house at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Megan Stine explains how the White House came to be and offers young readers intriguing glimpses into the lives of the First Families--from John and Abigail Adams to Barack and Michelle Obama.

    The First Book of presidents

    This book is good to use as a beginner spine.

    George Washington and the Founding of A Nation

    A full account of George Washington's role in building the early U.S. republic explores his life, focusing on the assets he brought to public life.

    Furthermore, add hands-on activities.

    Hands-on Ideas for a President Unit Study

    For example, use the Safari Ltd US Presidents busts to introduce and build excitement to the start of a new topic or for art inspiration.

    American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

    Create your own bust with Crayola Air Dry clay and a flashcard of a president for a model.

    All you need is some clay and a toothpick and craft stick to carve and add detail.

    American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

    Any age can use these but I like that the scrabble tiles are so versatile and don’t seem babyish like some letter tiles might for older kids.

    Instead of writing out spelling and vocabulary words use letter tiles. Call out words you would like your child to learn and let them do it with the letter tiles instead of paper.

    This activity is easy to modify for any age level by simply using easier or more difficult words.

    American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

     In addition, here are some vocabulary/spelling words to get you started and let your younger children put them in alphabetical order.

    • President,
    • election,
    • politics,
    • republican,
    • democrat,
    • ballot,
    • veto,
    • federal,
    • constitution,
    • monument, and
    • executive.
    American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

    Besides playing the U.S. Presidents Go fish according to the directions you can also use them to create a timeline by pulling 5 or 6 random cards and having your child place them in order.

    American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

    More Fun History Games

    Look at them below.

    Furthermore, add some American Presidents board games.

    4 American Presidents Board Games

    Play a fun board game like one of these below to learn about presidents, elections, and politics.

    U.S. Presidents Go Fish

    FUN AND EDUCATIONAL GAME FOR KIDS – memorize basic facts painlessly as you compete to collect most cards.

    FACT-FILLED BOOKLET: Set includes a booklet explaining facts about each card, as well as ideas for other games to play with the deck.

    MONOPOLY House Divided Board Game

    WIN THE PRESIDENCY: The Monopoly House Divided board game is about U.S. Elections. Buy states, earn votes, and take over the White House as the new president

    IT'S PARTY TIME: In this Monopoly game, players choose a Candidate token and get assigned to the red or blue party. Players vote with their party -- unless it's better for them not to

    Election Night! A Super Fun Way to Learn Essential Math, Geography and Civics While Strategizing Your Way to The White House.

    A home learning home run that teaches kids to think big things while mastering the hardest to learn addition and multiplication facts, U.S. state geography, and the mechanics of the Electoral College.

    Double-sided gameboard includes addition and multiplication game versions to keep kids sharp on math skills, with varying levels of complexity based on player skill level.

    Professor Noggin's Presidents of The United States Trivia Card Game

    PLAY & LEARN: Professor Noggin’s series of educational card games encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects.

    FUN FACTS: Since the time of George Washington, important leaders have ruled from the Oval Office. Learn about the first 44 Presidents of the United States, the times in which they served their country, and the challenges they faced as leaders of the world's most powerful nation.

    Finally, videos are always a great way to present information in a fresh new way as well as take a little of the teaching responsibility off your shoulders.

    The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

    | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    When teaching history, sometimes you have to come in sideways or use games that teach geography. I have more fun game ideas for teaching history on my history games page.

    For example, gameschooling has become one of the most popular methods for teaching your child.

    It doesn’t matter if you gameschool exclusively, unschool, use a packaged curriculum, online lessons, or put together unit studies.

    Games that teach geography can be added to your day and teach so much through playing and enjoying time together.

    The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

    First, you can build an entire lesson or even a full unit study around a game.

    I’m sharing one of favorite games for learning geography.

    Besides geography and history can go hand in hand.

    Too, I’m showing you other items and activities to add to keep the lessons going as long as you want.

    Everything from movies to books, a few more games, and other items helps to round out a geography or history slant or both.

    What is Geography

    The word geography comes from the Greek geo, which means “Earth,” and graphy, which means “writing or description.

    So, geography means to learn about  the Earth’s land its surface, and features including water and air.

    However, geography also includes learning about the people of the area, understand landmarks, and appreciating cultural differences

    Immediately, you can see a tie in between learning about the natural resources of an area and the people.

    Additionally, look at some of these hands-on geography ideas.

    The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

    Finally, be sure to check out my post on the 100 Best Books From All 50 States

    Hands-on Geography

    If you have been around for any length of time you know I am a fan of these Toobs for Safari Ltd.

    This USA Landmarks and Symbols set is perfect for learning about symbolism and important places throughout the United States.

    Use them as drawing inspiration, in sensory bins for younger children, as part of a diorama, or use them as game markers.

    Fun History Games

    Too, look at these games below which can be games that teach geography with history.

    In addition, look at these fun books and resources to help U.S. geography more lively.

    10 U.S. Geography Resources

    If you're looking to teach U.S. geography in a hands-on way, you'll love adding one or two of these resources to your day or study.

    The Scrambled States of America Game

    Quick! Find a state that ends with the letter A. Now find one that borders Tennessee. Have fun learning about the United States in this madcap game of observation and quick reflexes. 

    The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

    Explore every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming with these 51 charmingly illustrated infographic maps! Includes an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.Discover more than 2,000 facts about the people, cities, nature and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. Ghost towns, swamp tours, the center of the universe… bacon donuts, brainy berries, salmon jerky… The French Fry King, The Mother of Oregon, The Queen of Blues… be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty and diversity of our great nation in this curious collection of fact-filled maps.

    National Geographic Kids U.S. Atlas

     Kids will have fun learning about each and every U.S. state in this amazing 6th edition atlas, packed with maps, stats, facts, and pictures

    The U.S. History Cookbook: Delicious Recipes and Exciting Events from the Past

    Who knew history could be so delicious? In The U.S. History Cookbook, you'll discover how Americans have lived and dined over the centuries. This scrumptious survey of periods and events in U.S. history mixes together a delectable batter of food timelines, kid-friendly recipes, and fun food facts.

    The United States in 100 Words

    How do you sum up a whole country in just 100 words? This striking book takes on the challenge! From amendment to Vegas, each of the carefully chosen 100 words has its own 100-word-long description and beautiful illustration, providing a snapshot of what the USA means to people today: its roots, its values, its culture, and customs. Basically, everything you need to know in a nut shell.

    Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

    This Toob includes figurines of the Lincoln Memorial, Hoover Dam, Liberty Bell, Alamo, Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, Gateway Arch, U.S. Capital, Empire State Building, White House, as well as a flag and an eagle.

    Geographic USA Scrunch Map

    Easy Storage: Unfold and spread flat when you need it or scrunch it up and store away when you're done. The USA map makes a wonderful addition to your home, office, library, kid's room, classroom or playroom.

    States & Capitals Flash Cards for Kids – 50 American State Cards

    LEARN STATES & CAPITALS IN A FLASH: Get to know each of the 50 states! How well do you know your home state and neighbors? Perfect for all ages

    50 FLASH CARDS: Includes 50 educational flash cards for studying important school subjects such as US Geography and History!

    9 LEARNING GAMES: Teach and participate in 9 specially made enrichment activities: Name Games, What's the Motto, Heads Up, Region Round-up, State Trivia and more! Fun symbols

    1000-piece USA Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster 50 States | Illustrated American Landmarks

    Test your geography knowledge with Talking Tables beautifully illustrated 1000-piece USA 50 States Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster. This USA Map Puzzle features landmarks from across America! Our Jigsaw Puzzles For Adults make for Fun Indoor Activities and can be framed as Wall Art

    Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary

    Have you ever wondered what a badland is? What about a gulch?
    Do you know what an isthmus is? Or a seamount? What about the difference between a plateau and a plain, or a knob and a knoll? Well look no further. This broad introduction to the fascinating world around us explores our planet’s physical features from the highest mountain peak to the deepest ocean trench. The team behind Maps & Globes proves that geography can indeed be an adventure.

    As you can see combining geography and history is a natural fit.

    The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

    Finally, look at how to play the scrambled states of America.

    Scrambles States of America

    First, The Scrambled States of America is a silly colorful game which introduces states as a game that requires observation and quick reflexes.

    You collect the state cards, match them with neighbors, and more.

    And you win by familiarizing yourself with the state cards you’re dealt.

    Then, you try to be the quickest to respond to action cards like – capital that starts with D or a state that is south of Colorado.

    It even comes with a small copy of THE Scrambled States of America Book. Fun.

    The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

    While this game probably is best for middle to upper elementary. I definitely think that it is still fun for middle school kids.

    It is a gentle approach to learning US Geography for anyone that needs to learn or refresh what they already know.

    I don’t really have a con for this game except that older kids may feel that it is baby-ish.

    However, if they can get past that it’s a great learning tool for the whole family.

    Unit Study: French Revolution + Free Storming the Bastille Game

    | 16 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    This French Revolution board game is so much fun. Also, you’ll love grabbing more ideas for history games on my page.

    Unit Study: French Revolution + Free Storming the Bastille Game

    Plodding along, we have started out next unit study which is the French Revolution. 

    Mr. Awesome needs to cover some more European history during his high school years and so this a great topic to cover for older kids.

    French Revolution Homeschool Unit Study

    Too, sickness has hit our family early and everybody has had a touch of the crud this whole week. Crazy that we all get sick at the same time.

    Playing the French Revolution Game

    So knowing that the French Revolution is not a topic exactly easy to explain to younger children and because all of us are still recovering from the coughing junk,  I made a board game about the French Revolution that they both could play.

    This way they both have an introduction to this time period.

    I can’t pry them away from the fireplace when they play games either.

    I guess they think the ultimate luxury for at home learning is sitting by the fireplace because that is their go to place (even in the summer). I give up and let them play where they want to now.

    French Revolution Game | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

    About the French Revolution Board Game

    Just to let you know I made the game really big.

    However, you can print it on regular size paper or print it poster size (4 separate pages under your print settings).

    We printed it on regular size paper because I can’t store anything now

    By making it large, I could print it on 4 pages when we decided to play again.

    Normally, I like to start our unit studies with a real aloud from books written about that time period like A Tale of Two Cities or Les Miserables.

    But again, my time has been short lately, so I have found a nice abridged audio reading of A Tale of Two Cities that the boys could listen to.

    Click here to listen Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities.“

    The boys can’t miss hearing the popular phrase: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,  . . .” I love the whole opening paragraph of that book.

    Also, you’ll love these other fun history games.

    More Fun History Games

    Other French Revolution Resources

    Unit Study: French Revolution + Free Storming the Bastille Game

    How to Grab the Free French Revolution Board Game
    This free printable is a subscriber freebie.

    That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access my subscribers library and this freebie.

    However not all of my freebies are in the library (wink).

    Because I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more, some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

    It’s the only way I have of freely delivering them to you. If you’re a new follower, just follow the steps below.

    This is how you get access quickly.
    ► 1) Sign up on my list.
    ► 2) Go to your inbox and confirm your email from the automatic reply I sent you.
    ►3) Look for my reply AFTER you confirm your email with the freebie access.

    Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages

    Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones

    | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    If you’re doing hands-on history and want to add ancient Greek games for kids, you’ll love this knucklebones game and the other history games on my page.

    I am sharing with you how to make and play Knucklebones.

    It’s one of the oldest discovered ancient games.

    Knucklebones is an ancient Greek game typically played with 5 small objects.

    Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones

    They were initially made from the knuckles of sheep or goats. 

    It was also called Tali, 5 stones, Jacks, scatter jacks, dibs, jackstones, or astragalus.

    It is a primitive form of the modern game of jacks that is played with little metal pieces and a rubber ball.

    The game of Knucklebones is 2,000 years old.

    How Knucklebones Was Invented

    The official rules are not known as it is such an ancient game.

    But several versions have been guessed at through paintings and sculptures.

    We are making the version that is like the more modern jacks game.

    According to Sophocles, the mythical figure Palamedes invented te game of Knucklebones.

    And taught it to Greek soldiers during the Trojan War.

    Here is an image of a sculpture depicting two Greek girls playing Knucklebones.

    They look so much like two little modern girls playing on the sidewalk, don’t they?

    Ancient Greek Games for Kids

    Look at some other toys ancient Greek children played with or spent their day being entertained with. And learn the Greek name for them.

    • Spinning Top-Stromvos
    • Rattles- Platagi
    • Animal Figurines- Athyrma
    • Marbles- Spheria
    • Piggyback game- Ephedrismos
    • Ourania- Game with a ball
    • Passe-boule- Similar to basketball

    Here are some images of Ancient Greek Toys  to get an idea of what they looked like.

    Ancient Greece Game Knucklebones Rules

    You can play this game with 1 to 4 players. Cast (or toss) the knucklebones the same way you would dice.

    Toss one knucklebone up into the air and try to grab one off the ground. Catch the falling one before it hits the ground.

    Repeat but grab 2, then 3, then 4 to complete a sequence.

    The winner is the first person to complete all the required sequences.

    You can also play by tossing up all into the air and trying to catch as many as you can on the back of the hand or in your palm.

    If you are going to play this version make your knucklebones smaller so they are easier to catch and don’t hurt.

    Yet another variation is to try to toss one up and grab as many as you can in your hand before it falls.

    You will want to practice.

    Don’t scatter them to much or throw them too high. This will give you more control over catching them or grabbing them up.

    Also, a completely different take on knucklebones assigns a points system to each side of the die.

    And the winner is the one with the highest point value after tossing the knucklebones and counting up where they land. This is where the numbers or symbols you added come into the game.

    Encourage your children to make up their own game with the Knucklebones. See what their imagination comes up with.

    Next, look how to make your own DIY Knucklebones.

    How to Make DIY Knucklebones Game

    I found this terra cotta air dry clay at dollar tree and thought it looked pretty ancient so it was perfect.

    You will need:

    • Air dry clay
    • Paint pen or permanent marker
    Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones

    Then, create a rustic dice shape by first rolling 4 to 5 similar sized balls of clay out.

    Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones

    Next, pinch to create a bowed shape on the top and bottom of one face. But don’t invert too much if you plan on writing/drawing on them.

    Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones

    Rotate and repeat this step all the way around, this will give us a basic shape similar to real knucklebones.

    Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones

    Allow the clay to dry completely. This is what your final shape should look like.

    Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones

    Decorate your sides with numbers or symbols if you like using a small paintbrush and paint or a paint pen. 

    We researched ancient Greek numbers and used those. This will give your child some math practice too. You could also make up your own symbols for your family if you want.

    Make a key like I did here to keep track of what each Greek number represents.

    Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones

    What do you think? What other Ancient Greek games for kids will you add to your Ancient Greece Unit study?

    Other History Games for Kids

    And finally, here are some other Ancient Greece activities.

    Other Ancient Greece Activities