Looking for educational games that build real skills—not just keep kids busy? In Part 1 of this two-part series, host Felice Gerwitz talks with Tara Jenner of The Brain Trainers about games that teach—including simple car games, on-the-go learning games, and card games that strengthen memory, processing speed, auditory processing, visual processing, language retrieval, and executive function skills.

Tara shares how families can use games as practical “brain training” tools—especially helpful for kids who struggle with multi-step directions, working memory, or word-finding.

Tara explains that games are far more effective when kids can name the skill they’re practicing and learn to apply it outside the game—socially and academically.

These quick, no-prep games can be played in the car, in line, or during errands:

The Mailbox Game (Analogies + Associations)
One item “goes into the mailbox,” and something connected by one trait comes out. Great for analogy thinking, flexible reasoning, and verbal explanation.

What Are We Having for Dinner? (Categorization + Emotional Language)
Kids sort items into “tasty,” “nasty,” or “aww” (soft fuzzy empathy items). Builds categorization, quick responses, and expressive language.

Rapid Naming Game (Vocabulary Retrieval + Processing Speed)
Fast category naming (like groceries, sports team names, etc.), using visualization strategies to improve speed and accuracy.

Felice shares a fun “theme scavenger hunt” style game using science connections (like Mars bars = planets or Milky Way = space), boosting creative associations and attention.

Tara adds a smart extension: teach kids to notice marketing placement—what’s at eye level, on end caps, and why—while also building visual awareness.

A category-prompt game Tara uses to support rapid naming, vocabulary growth, and research prompts when kids get stuck on categories.

Tara breaks down practical strategies for kids who struggle with following multi-step directions, including:

teaching directions one step at a time

having the child repeat the step back

using visualization (“see yourself doing it”)

helping kids connect the “missing steps” in a sequence

This section is especially helpful for parents supporting kids with auditory processing challenges or working memory limitations.

Tara recommends several high-impact educational card games and explains how to use them for skill-building (even before playing the “official” rules):

Builds pattern recognition, logic, sorting, visual discrimination, and multi-feature processing. Tara also shares pre-game exercises (sorting by color/shape/number/shading) to reduce overwhelm and build mastery.

Fast-paced matching by shape, color, or number—great for processing speed and flexible thinking. Tara recommends starting with open-hand play and emphasizing skill before speed.

A mental math card game using quick +/– calculations. Great for strengthening math fluency (when kids are ready).

Strengthens visual processing, scanning, and attention by finding the one matching symbol between cards. Tara shares strategies like elimination by color to narrow focus.

Tara Jenner is a homeschool mom and brain training specialist who works with families and students to strengthen cognitive skills through practical exercises and targeted support.

Find Tara here:

TheBrain-Trainers.com

In Games That Teach (Part 2), Felice and Tara will move into board games and additional strategies for building memory skills through play.

You can listen to this episode at TheVintageHomeschoolMoms.com and follow the show on your favorite podcast app.

The post Games That Teach (Part 1): Brain Training Games for Homeschool Learning + Special Needs Support appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.