Best Practice Game Based Learning

I remember the first time my son came home from school with a worksheet that looked like a board game. It was a math puzzle where you had to roll a die and move across a board to solve equations. I was skeptical, but after watching him play for ten minutes, I saw a shift. His frustration turned into determination, and he actually asked for more. That moment made me realize how powerful best practice game based learning could be when done right. It’s not just about fun—it’s about engagement, retention, and making complex ideas feel approachable. For the full picture, see play-based learning — our complete hub on the topic.^[3]

Game based learning isn’t a fad. It’s a method that has been tested and refined over decades. I’ve seen it transform my kids’ approach to subjects they once avoided—like history and even algebra. The key is in the design. Best practice game based learning combines structure with creativity, turning passive learning into active play. Whether it’s a DIY board game or an app with a storyline, the goal is to keep the learner motivated and immersed.^[4]

One of the best things about game based learning is that it doesn’t require a lot of resources. I’ve created simple, low-cost games with just cardboard, markers, and a bit of imagination. For example, I made a vocabulary game using flashcards and a spinner that turned learning into a competition. My kids didn’t even realize they were studying. That’s the magic of best practice game based learning—it makes learning feel like play without the pressure.^[5]

What is Practice Based Learning and How is it Different?

As of September 2026, Practice based learning and game based learning are often confused, but they're not the same. Practice based learning involves doing, applying, and reinforcing skills through hands-on activities. For example, when I taught my daughter to tie her shoes, I didn’t use a game—I used repetition, patience, and real-life practice. Game based learning, on the other hand, uses games to teach, engage, and challenge. Best practice game based learning combines both methods: it’s not just about playing a game, but about ensuring that the game teaches something meaningful.

The difference is subtle but important. Practice based learning is the foundation, and game based learning is the delivery method. Imagine cooking with a recipe (practice based learning) and then turning it into a cooking competition with a timer and scorecard (game based learning). Both are valuable, but they serve different purposes. Best practice game based learning is when the game is designed around the learning goal, not just for fun.

In my home, I often use practice based learning for basic skills like reading and math, but when I want to make it more engaging, I turn it into a game. This hybrid approach is what I call best practice game based learning. It’s the most effective way to keep kids motivated and learning at the same time.

What is an Example of Game-Based Learning?

One of the most effective examples of game-based learning in my house was a multiplication board game I created with my son. The board was a path divided into squares, each with a multiplication problem. Players rolled a die and moved to a square, solved the problem, and if they were right, they stayed; if not, they moved back. It took me less than an hour to make, and my son played it for over a week straight. He didn’t even realize he was practicing math—he was too busy trying to beat his dad.

This game wasn’t just fun; it was educational. After playing for a few days, his multiplication speed improved by over 30%. He started using the same strategy to learn spelling and even history by creating a trivia game with questions and answers. The key to an effective example of game-based learning is making the game relevant and meaningful.^[1]

I’ve seen other parents use card games, escape room puzzles, and even video games to teach their kids. The most successful examples are those that tie into the child’s interests. If your child loves dinosaurs, use that as the theme for a game. If they love cooking, make a game that involves recipes and measurements. That’s the beauty of best practice game based learning—it’s customizable and adaptable.

The best games are the ones that make learning feel like play.

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Types of Game Based Learning You Should Know About

There are several types of game based learning, and each one offers different benefits. Board games are great for face-to-face interaction and strategy. I’ve used them to teach my kids about geography, history, and even basic economics. Card games are fast-paced and great for reinforcing quick thinking and memory. Digital games offer a more immersive experience and can be tailored to specific learning goals. Role-playing games, like pretend play, are excellent for social and emotional development.

Each type of game has its strengths. For example, a board game like 'Guess Who?' teaches kids to ask questions and deduce answers, which is a great way to build logical thinking. A digital game like 'Minecraft' can be used to teach coding, architecture, and even basic physics. Role-playing games, like pretending to be a doctor or a chef, help kids learn about different professions and develop empathy and problem-solving skills.

The best practice in game based learning is to use the right type of game for the right learning goal. If your child needs to improve their spelling, use a word-based board game. If they’re struggling with math, try a card game that involves basic operations. The key is to match the learning objective with the game type.

“I remember the first time my son came home from school with a worksheet that looked like a board game.”— Playschooled editors

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The Benefits of Game Based Learning

The benefits of game based learning are numerous, and I’ve seen them in action in my own home. When my daughter was learning to read, I used a simple card game that involved matching letters to sounds. She was so engaged that she played it multiple times a day. The result? Within two weeks, she had mastered the alphabet. Game based learning makes learning more enjoyable, which means kids are more likely to stay motivated and continue learning.

Another benefit is that game based learning helps kids develop problem-solving skills. When playing a game, kids are constantly making decisions, strategizing, and thinking critically. I’ve seen my son improve his math problem-solving skills just by playing a board game that required him to calculate scores. The best part is, he didn’t realize he was learning—he was just having fun.

Game based learning also promotes collaboration and communication. When kids play games with others, they have to work together, negotiate, and communicate. This is especially important for social development. I’ve noticed that my kids are more patient, more cooperative, and better at resolving conflicts after playing games together. That’s the real power of best practice game based learning.

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How to Create a Game Based Learning Experience at Home

Creating a game based learning experience at home is easier than you might think. It doesn’t require a lot of money or materials. All you need is a little creativity, a clear learning objective, and some basic supplies like paper, markers, and a few household items. For example, I made a simple vocabulary game using flashcards and a spinner. The spinner had different categories like 'animals,' 'colors,' and 'shapes.' Each time the spinner landed on a category, the kids had to pick a card and use the word in a sentence.

Another example is a math game using dice and a board. The board had different math problems, and the kids had to solve them to move ahead. I used a paper plate as the board, and I drew the numbers and problems directly onto it. It took about 15 minutes to make, and my kids played it for weeks. The key is to keep it simple and adaptable.^[2]

To create an effective game based learning experience, start with a clear learning goal. Then, design a game that aligns with that goal. Use simple materials, make it engaging, and allow kids to take turns playing. The best practice game based learning is when the child is actively involved in the learning process, and the game is tailored to their interests and abilities.

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Best Practice Game Based Learning