Children learn better when they’re having fun. Because when they’re having fun, children are more creative, more motivated, better engaged, and more likely to absorb what they’re learning.

If that’s true – and studies suggest that it is – then 2nd-graders at Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy learned a lot recently (and had a boatload of fun while they were at it) as they engaged in a educational experience that culminated in the creation of their very own board games. They learned all about games; then invented their own, choosing their own themes, pieces, color schemes, etc. When they were done, they invited their parents to school to enjoy playing their games while they noshed on bagels.

Main Photo: BCHA 2nd-grader Judah Teitel plays his game “Football on a Summer Day” with his parents Gladys and Greg Teitel.