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For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. Because of my background, I knew a long college life was out of my grasp. I had grown up too quickly without much thought of ever saving for or planning for college.

The American school system had not been kind to me. An undiagnosed girl, in dirty clothes and hand-me-down shoes, unmanageable hair. I knew from a young age that I was being handed from one teacher to the next each year, instead of meeting criteria like other children. I did not learn to sing my ABCs until the second grade; with one of my earliest memories is standing in the principals office, shrugging when asked to sing the alphabet. I had never failed a class or missed school for fun. I always passed with flying colors and completed extra credit for the A+. I passed with exemplary scores with every state exam. I never cared to sing the silly songs.

It was not until my late twenties that I even recognized my neurodivergence as more than just mood swings and whimsy. I came across the RAADS test and took it as a silly little quiz only to find out that I am clearly on the autism spectrum. I hurried to visit my PCP, confirming the results. I should have been diagnosed all those years ago. Yet, my living conditions and lack of accountable parental figures had doomed me to being the weird girl that sat in the corner of class.

I had known from the beginning that I would teach my children from home. Giving them space to learn on their own terms, with tools to accommodate their specific needs.

Gaming was an interesting outlet for us as a whole. I set a firm boundary at the very beginning to not play video games with my family (seriously, I would never get anything done if I did!). I encouraged toys, imaginative play, roleplaying, card games, board games; video games and screen time were their favorites.

Here is a list of games that we have used or currently use in our homeschool.

• Zingo - Bingo with sight words instead of numbers. There are multiple versions of this game, for different reading levels. It is very easy to play and to assemble. Works well with siblings on different reading levels, who want to play together.

• Rapid Rumble - Great for a small group. Learn trivia with ease! This game is a lot of fun and a wonderful addition to any family game night.

• Proof - Mental Math Magic! This game is for ages 9-10 but we have used it for 7+. This game encourages doing math in your head to complete the game. We struggle with math and sometimes worksheets are not forced in our daily work, we do something like this instead!

• Time Game - This game does have small pieces that can be easily lost BUT it is an unbelievable resource for children that are struggling to read time.

• Leap Frog - Both of our children loved Leap Frog. It is a wonderful alternative to screen time, perfect for long car rides.

• Minute Math - This electronic flash card features addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Ages 6+. Portable size is a bonus. Encourage the use of it as a fidget toy. Something to do while waiting for a table at a restaurant or in line at the grocery store.

• Bop It - In the beginning of our homeschool journey, I had Pinterest boards filled with motor skills activities, games, and sensory boxes. Everything adding up to a small fortune for an afternoon of finger pinching Cheerios. Just get a Bop It, My First Pencil, and print out a motor skills chart by age. Don’t be like me and add unnecessary pressure on yourself.

• Roblox - Never underestimate a child’s willpower to learn. When my second was four years old, he walked up to me and asked if I could teach him how to read so he could play Roblox with his big sister. Of course, I pulled out 100 Easy Lessons and we began immediately. Within two weeks, he could find a game, join the chat, and win. It’s always an overwhelming joy to watch your child accomplish something so big.

• Switch - Our daughter asked for a Nintendo Switch for 4 years before we finally got it for her. She had just turned 11 years old a few months before Christmas. She had been doing daily chores, attending classes regularly, helping with the animals. Watching her learn how to care for her environment and her belongings in order to get the upgrades she so desperately wanted. Our old family gaming systems becoming obsolete as she waited for her age and brain to grow. She earned her switch and the upgrades. She cherishes her games. I cherish watching her play and learn.

• Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza - This isn’t educational and it deserves an honorable mention. This game is so much fun. It can break the tension on the hardest of days. When time is lagging, the books are boring, and the don’t-wannas are here to stay… We play this game! Can be played with two people, more fun with 3+ people.

• Sussed - Just get it, ok! You won’t regret it. Laughter, joy, belly giggles and snorts. Even public school teachers will pull out fun games for field day or end-of-school-year activities.

• A Little Spot - Like motor skills, emotional intelligence should be exercised often. Being able to identify, express, and regulate emotions should be encouraged to children by the adults in their lives. Reading aloud, even for a few minutes a day, can greatly improve their chances for success. Teaching them how to self regulate will set them up for success for life, not just in their schooling and career fields.