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I hear this question a lot from parents. As an educator I encourage parents to play games with their children because yes, fun games can be educational.
Let's look at some of the concepts that are reinforced by playing games. First, consider the fact that by playing games kids are learning to take turns. Children grow up with a natural need for instant gratification. Game play teaches patients and an understanding that everyone gets a chance and that their turn will come again.
Secondly there are usually a set of skills required to play a game. The skill set may be very simple like moving a pawn around the game board. But even in this simplistic setting the kids are learning to associate numbers with their values as they count the spaces and move their game piece forward. Some games reinforce knowledge of color while others include money skills. Some games will require skills that are obvious while others will be less so.
Some fun games go beyond basic skills and require higher level thinking like reasoning, understanding cause and effect, strategizing and synthesizing information in order to accomplish the object of the game. It is exactly these skills educators hope to instill in students. What better way for them to learn than to play games and spend quality time with their parents and families.
Whatever game you choose to play, I am fairly confident there are skills that young players will learn to reinforce those they learn in school. Be sure to have age appropriate games available and follow your children's lead. Most importantly, Have Fun!
K. Harris has just under 20 years of experience in the educational field. She has seen firsthand the benefit of playing games with children and continues to encourage families to partake in both physical and mental activities. For more information about fun games for kids, or for some ideas of fun games for kids to play just click and follow the links.
Good article, Karleen. I agree with you - the kids will learn something in any game. I have a new grandson and recently read about the upcoming event every parent goes through: the baby drops something, mom picks it up, baby drops, mom picks up until the parent is ready to believe the child just wants to drive her nuts. That irritating event is a a new game the child made up! And she has learned cause and effect. Pretty cool stuff.
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