A few years ago, my oldest son was having difficulty with his multiplication tables, so we developed a math horse race (this was before that math program with the horse/car racing - they got that idea from me! LOL!) 

We bought some computer paper (continuous feed) and drew a race track down the center, with a vertical starting line, lines indicating x1, x2, etc., and a finish line with a checkered flag.  My son drew and cut out a horse and taped it to the starting line.  Everyday, I drilled him on a time table and if he did it correctly, he advanced to the next level.  It worked pretty well and we had fun.

Now, my middle son is having similiar difficulties, especially with the 7's and up.  This time we did an auto racing track, since that's more his interest (my oldest loves horse racing - no betting allowed!)  And everyday, he's drilled on a time table and advances if he's correct.

When my oldest first did the horse race, of course, the middle son wanted to participate so we did addition tables for him.  And now, my oldest wants to race again so for him, it's review.  My 6 yo daughter also wants to race, so we do addition for her.  She's done pretty well, better than I anticipated!

I'm not big on always finding ways to make learning fun.  I once read an article (by the owners of Timberdoodle, I think) about how "fun" is emphasized too often, and that some kids might never learn that life isn't "always" fun.  Sometimes you just have to work, whether it's fun or not.  I thought that made a lot of sense.  My sister, who homeschooled her kids until highschool, always stressed how to "make everything fun."  And that always bugged me, it seemed unrealistic.  If they learn only to work when something is fun, how can they learn diligence.  But if you look at my sis's and my personality, you could clearly see why we feel the way we do.  We usually are at opposite ends of the spectrum on just about anything.  So it doesn't surprise me that our homeschooling philosophies differ so much.  Neither is right or wrong, just different point of view.  So if you, the reader, enjoy finding fun ways of learning for your kids, go for it! 

This race track seems to be working well (I do like SOME fun, don't get me wrong!)  The kids ask, "Can we race now!"  It's not often they beg to do math!  So, I'll stick to bringing in a little fun, here and there, just to surprise my poor overworked, nose-to-the grindstone kids.  Yeah, right.

P.S.  I kid you not ... As I was sitting here, waiting for my screen to save this post, I looked down at the desk, next to the keyboard (this is my dh's computer).  There was a note for my dh from his hospital department head.  It says he's supposed to go to a web site to take a personality test called the Meyer-Briggs.  (Interestingly enough, cathmom took this test and blogged about it - see her site under my Friends List.)  Anyway, the letter goes on to say that everyone on the hosp staff is going to be asked to take it and maybe they'll learn a little about each other while they learn more about themselves.  AND HAVE FUN WHILE WE'RE LEARNING!  Do you get it?  Yes, by all means, lets have FUN, as adults, being forced to do a test and learn about each other - on a hospital staff!!  I just had to laugh at the irony.  I may be the only one laughing here but I just couldn't resist adding this.  And I'm glad I don't have to take the test!  Unless, of course, I want to have fun.