Mountain Man Game Freebie

I know you're thinking, "Where's my freebie?" I get it, I would be too. If you want to bypass this and get straight to the freebie, scroll to the bottom to find the green download button. If you want to spend 2 minutes reading why games are so important to education, then be my guest! Here are just three reasons why games are important to social studies. I could go on and on, but let's keep it short for today and get to the freebie!

1. Games are important because they give students experiential learning.

When students play games, they aren't just listening — they're thinking, making decisions, and working with others. They are thinking through historical scenarios that connect them to the history they are learning. (The Oregon Trail, anyone?)

2. Games are important because they are memorable.

Games help students see history or geography come to life, letting them experience the events and challenges people faced in the past. By playing, students stay engaged, remember more information, and build social skills as they collaborate and compete in a friendly way. (Who remembers the split-level house from The Game of Life? I can still picture it 20 years later.)

3. Games are important because they are fun!

Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the data and testing and forget that we work with children. Playing is learning for them. Kids crave fun, and using games in class brings excitement, engagement, and learning! (The list of SEL skills students develop from playing games is miles long!)

In short, games make social studies exciting, memorable, and meaningful! And this Mountain Man game is no different! Students have to work together to get four mountain men to the rendezvous before winter sets in. It is hard to win, and students love the challenge! Now on to the freebie: click the green button below to access it!

Let me know in the comments how you incorporate games in the classroom!

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