“A true master of the game doesn’t play to win, but to enjoy the challenge.” – Unknown
This applies to any game we play and often this can lay the foundation for learning the tricks of the game as well as life lessons. When it comes to board games, they can become very good resources for the learning and development of young children. Because they are not only fun but involve a lot of cognitive activities to learn from.
According to a study board games were found to have a significantly positive effect on the social skill development of children in primary school. In another recent finding, it was determined that playing modern board games in the classroom could be better for learning and cognitive development than direct-instruction methodologies.
Board games have always been there but probably we never leverage their potential in learning and development to the right extent. It is important to explore different ways of experiential learning, and over time board games have proved to be beneficial. They offer dynamic and interactive ways to foster language development while fostering a fun and inclusive learning environment.
Let’s take a look at how board games can help children learn language and other life skills.
Increases brain functions:
Board games stimulate areas responsible for memory formation and complex thought processes which improves cognitive skills such as decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Games like Chess, Cluedo, and others help improve deductive reasoning and logic.
Helps to build resilience:
When you play and lose, you learn from it. It helps kids to understand failure and learn from their mistakes in a fun way. They would want to play again and rectify their mistakes or moves. This way they learn to keep moving and not give up.
Teaches goal setting and patience:
Board games help to learn strategic planning, reflection, and patience. It encourages healthy competition and teamwork among players, according to the game they are playing. Many board games are played in pairs or groups which fosters mutual understanding and collaborative thinking.
Helps them adhere to rules and regulations:
All board games have a set of rules and regulations, and playing these games allows children to learn to understand and follow those to play properly.
Builds literary skills:
This is one of the major areas where board games can be effectively used at different levels. Board games can help children with letter identification, spelling, and vocabulary. Also, children benefit from reading cards on their turn, which improves their literacy and concentration. Scrabble is one such game that can help build literary skills in children.
Enhances motor skills:
Many board games require movement and eye/hand coordination that can improve your child's gross motor skills, spur creativity, and boost self-confidence. Games like Jenga can help build regulated hand movement and engineering skills.
Children with learning difficulties also find board games helpful and enjoyable, even though they might have difficulty communicating and paying attention in many other situations. A study claims that many autistic children find board games appealing because they have a good mix of rules, correct and incorrect moves, and involve one or more sense organs in many ways. So, they become comfortable and can play to their strengths.
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