Free Gamification Websites to Make Learning Fun at Home

By Julie Diamond, OCT

Gamification is a strategy that enhances learning through integrating elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards. It makes learning more interactive, fun and in many ways, addictive. Like the video games you continuously pry your child away from, these apps marry video game-like features with curriculum-based learning objectives to ignite excitement while providing them (and you) with real-time feedback about their progress. Thankfully the technology of gamification software makes it simple for parents and tutors to offer a game-based learning experience at home.

Below are a few gamification websites and apps that are simple-to-use tools to create a fun learning experience for your child/student:
1. Quizlet: A free tool to create your own or user-generated flashcards and play different games (gravity is a favourite of mine!) to help study or review material in an engaging way.
2. GimKit: Create your own multiple-choice questions, or use their library of curated content, to learn. This website was designed by a student and has so many different types of video games so your child/student will never be bored.  
3. ST Math: This website is for preK-grade 8 and teaches the foundational concepts for math using visuals to help your child/student connect the concepts to symbols and language. This is a great tool for all math learners especially those who struggle with the language components of math.
4. TypingClub: A tool to help your child/student practice their typing skills with over 650 games and videos.
5. Prodigy: An online game to build math skills using badges and rewards to incentivize your child/student to keep learning. Free for parents – and be warned that your child will be begging you to play it!

There are so many more websites and apps so drop us a line in the comments below to share the gamification tools you use with your child/student.