This might seem like an out-of-the-box kinda post. What does Animal Crossing: New Horizons have to do with homeschooling? Well in our house, a lot, actually.
I’ve played Animal Crossing on and off throughout the years and I never thought I would be using it to teach my kids, but here we are. When I started playing, my kids became interested in the animals and wanted to play, of course (my kids are 7 and 5). I was a little hesitant at first, but once I saw my older child grow in her reading and comprehension, I thought hey, this is something cool.
If you aren’t into video games you might already think this sounds crazy, but hear me out. There is actually a lot to be learned in this cozy and gentle-natured Nintendo game. Let me tell you what my kids are learning while they are playing.
Learning/practicing reading.
This is the #1 reason that sold me (and to be honest, the main reason why I let them play). The entire game is based on dialogue between you and your villagers. My daughter was more than eager to read all afternoon while playing. While my youngest daughter is still not reading fluently, you bet she is trying her hardest to decode what’s going on!
Learning letter writing/grammar/spelling.
There is a bulletin board feature on the game where you can write notes to your villagers as well as a letter sending feature to your approved friend list. Since both my husband and I play, both of my kids are constantly sending us letters. I hear the “MOM! How do you spell…” numerous times a week. Even when they use inventive spelling, it is a great way for them to express their creativity.
Learning about economics/money/bartering.
From paying off their loans to upgrading their homes to buying furniture/items they need, this is one way to learn that you need to make money to spend money. And you need to save money if you want something specific! Sure, it’s bells instead of dollars and cents but the main idea is there. They also have a savings account to manage.
Exercising their creative muscles.
Players can make patterns for clothing/items/furniture. This is a great way for kids to express their creativity. They are also able to curate items and recipes to decorate their homes/island. Lots to be learned about building/creating spaces that make you happy.
Learning about fish, fossils, insects, and famous artwork.
The infamous ACNH museum! Players must collect seasonal fish, seasonal bugs, dig up fossils, and collect real artwork for the museum. This is one of the coolest features because everything is real and once they donate, they are able to learn tidbits and read about what they have donated. My kids have learned more about insects and random fish from this game. In real life, we actually visited an aquarium that was running an ACNH event and they were so excited to see what they have collected on the game in real life.
The artwork includes pieces such as the Mona Lisa, The Starry Night, Sunflowers, and Girl with a Pearl Earring. Exposure to these pieces at these young ages is pretty cool and lends itself to our own art studies.
Learning about major (& minor) holidays.
The game is awesome at bringing attention to major holidays and lesser-known holidays based on different cultures. This is such a cool feature that has inspired a lot of candid chats with my kids wanting to learn more.
Exercising their kindness and politeness.
Interacting with their villagers alone is a great way to reinforce kindness and politeness. Characters also have different personality traits, which is interesting for them (like when they interact with a cranky villager lol).
Learning to be patient.
A lot of this game requires patience and hard work (working for resources, waiting for recipes, waiting to make enough money to upgrade or buy furniture…).
Learning about natural resources.
And learning what they are used for. Players must collect wood, stones, iron, clay, bamboo… just to name a few. They use these resources to make tools/furniture/and other items.
Exposure to different musical genres.
Players are able to collect records that are a collection of different musical genres and styles.
Learning about different plants/flowers/shrubs.
Players are able to plant a wide variety of flowers/shrubs/trees and can even cross-pollinate for different colors. My kids love to experiment with this feature to see what they’ll get. They have also learned the names of plenty of plants that they didn’t know before. And in real life when we come across them, they are the first to point out “Hey mom, look! It’s a hyacinth!”
They are able to connect with loved ones far away.
This isn’t learning exactly, but this is a huge benefit for us. Our family lives all over the map. My brother, sister, and my mother also play and my kids love to spend time with them while FaceTiming and playing. Or sending letters like I mentioned! This has been so great for them to have another outlet to enjoy with family who are far away.
If some of these seem meaningless or a stretch to you, that is okay. I know video games are not for everyone. But for us, this has been something truly wonderful for our family. On top of the reading/writing (which is what I really do love best about it), it has connected us in such a cool way. They are able to play something fun with their parents. On a cold winter day when we are stuck in the house, it’s so nice to just relax and play this game all together.
So if you are looking to add something fun and engaging to your homeschool, maybe ACNH will be the answer. x
