The Sizzling long afternoons of summer provide a great time for board games.
While games are fun for children, they also can help children develop valuable skills including imagination, creativity, problem solving and confidence. From a very early age, children use play to develop motor skills, recognize shapes and colors, and improve hand-eye coordination. As children grow, they become more interested in formal games with rules, opponents and explicit instructions. Parents can encourage an engage with a variety of play activities to foster learning, with just one game an afternoon. Board games promote family togetherness and help children learn the basic rules of fairness and teamwork.
Games can have a strong developmental impact on their children. It is so important for parents to find not only quality educational toys that stimulate development and are also fun to play; but also, the time to play.
Remember, when selecting educational games for family game night; consider gifts that are appropriate for their children's age and skill level as well as their specific interests.
Games for Elementary Students and their Parents:
Elementary school-aged children are beginning to understand and use strategy and probability skills. To foster these developments, look for board games like Connect Four, Scrabble, Monopoly and The Game of Life. Blokus board game and/or computer game.
Science kits, rockets, rocks, chemistry sets and telescopes help develop critical thinking skills. Strategy gameshttp://http://www.examiner.com/x-2016-Parenting--Education-Examiner~y2009m11d18-Strategy-games-as-holiday-gifts-101
Games like Talkin' Tango and Petcha Didn't Know encourage children to pay close attention and practice listening and concentration skills. Reading games http://http://www.examiner.com/x-2016-Parenting--Education-Examiner~y2009m11d11-HOLIDAY-READING-GIFTS-101
Parents need to recognize their child's learning style, strengths and weaknesses. If children struggle with math, parents can encourage math games and activities to further develop their math skills; if science is a challenge, make science fun with a chemistry set. To build, boost and bolster self-esteem, play The Self-Esteem Game. Math Games http://http://www.examiner.com/x-2016-Parenting--Education-Examiner~y2009m11d6-Holiday-Math-Gifts
Project-based toys such as model airplanes, cars, ships, and bead kits to help improve fine motor skills. Not only do these projects reinforce motor skills, children also learn to follow instructions and have a project they can work on for days; For example: Lego and building kits with directions. Science Games http://http://www.examiner.com/x-2016-Parenting--Education-Examiner~y2009m11d28-Holiday-Science-gift-ideas-that-fuel-curiosity-and-play-in-children
R.R.Cratty
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Comments
It is so important for families to gather around the kitchen table and play board games -- Monopoly, Trivia Pursuit, etc. As a child my family always got together on a Saturday evening and played games; we even played dice games and card games together. What fun we had. I don't think enough of that is going on nowadays. Nice article.
I so fully agree the benefits of board games teaches so many lessons not discovered in such a delightful way.
Great article! Games can be very educational! I subscribed.
I've got to check these out for the nieces and nephews!
Games can be very educational, thanks for sharing the benefits of board games!
Another fun way to bring out a lesson while they are having a great time.
Hi Rhonda: You have a great understanding of teaching children. Your articles sparkle. I loved your links too. Great piece. I still play Scrabble, Lol! (The child in me.)
love all the bright and interesting games and wonderful books you have suggested for children's summer learning. I want to come and live at your house!
Nice article. :P
Thanks for all the great game suggestions, love all the pictures in your slideshow. I love playing pictionary as a family get together, always a favorite classic.
This is such a valid article and point. I have often used the simple tools of board games to help teach my children everything from math, to making smart decision with finances. Great job, and I'm glad you wrote about this. Children will learn twice as much if they are having fun. Great job~~~
Board games make learning fun! There is research and a Game Finder by subject, skill, age, etc. on Games for Educators, www.G4Ed.com. We even host a Games in Education Conference at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair that the State of IL has certified as an event to receive teaching credits.
Mary
Chicago Toy and Game Fair
Such important points. Just simple 'old fashioned' board games are such an important learning tool.
I once auditioned for "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" and didn't get selected. Don't test yourself against a kid in grammar school. You'll probably lose!
A good book series for developing key skills is the Finance for Kidz series by Prof Prakash Dheeriya. That area has been untouched for so long. It is time that we start developing our children's financial skills. Check out www.finance4kidz.com
Thanks
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