Our kids love the computer. They can spend many hours playing games. We wanted to limit it and hook into this motiviation to get them to do educational things we wanted them to do.
So we invented a point system. They earn points doing various activities and they get to spend it on game time on the computer (PC, Xbox, Nintendo DS). They can do other things on the computer for free but playing a game costs points.
Overall, it worked as a way to limit computer time but the children didn't try many of the different activites as we hoped. We also limited their game time to a maximum of "every other day" so it wasn't a daily habit to go on the computer. Every other days works well as its easy to keep track of. Sometimes we relaxed the rules so game time was free when friends were visiting or they were stuck sitting in a car.
You have to craft these activities carefully for your own children and then get them to buy into it so there's some negotiation involved particularly with how to calibrate the points. Our kids are ages 8 and 11 (Year 3 and 6). Here's our list.
Learn Foreign Words (15 points)
Memorise 10 words from a foreign language. Record them in a book. Your recall of previously memorised words will be tested.
Learn New Words (30 points)
Discover 6 new words. Write them in a book along with their definition and a sample sentence. You will be tested on their spelling.
Math Worksheet (20 points)
Complete a math worksheet correcting any questions you get wrong.
Write! (20 points)
Write 100 words of your own: diary, poem, story, instructions, report, letter or anything else. Copy someone else's words for half the points. Spelling, punctuation and grammar must be correct.
Read a book (40 points)
Read a book. Make an audio recording in which you explain the story's plot and why you either liked the story or didn't.
Memorise (20 to 60 points)
Memorise a poem or speech. Recite it from memory with dramatic flair.
Compose a song (40 points)
Write a song and have someone else play it. It must be at least 16 bars. Bonus points for lyrics.
Mental Maths (10 points)
Solve easy math problems in your head.
Perform (50 to 100 points)
Perform or recite something for a group of people. Play an instrument. Sing a song. Dance a routines. Recite a poem.
Try Something New (50 to 500 points)
Be brave and try something new that you normally wouldn't try.
These aren't the only ways to earn points. We give out points for all kinds of things. A good report card or passing a music exam is worth some points (or they may prefer cash). Give out points for anything you want to encourage.
If you're not sure how many points something is worth, just ask the kids. I find they're often not generous enough with the points they would give themselves for some achievement.