I have watched children adapt to the social norm of rule following. It is fun to watch elementary aged children learning to think critically within the logic of board games. Mentors/parents can teach children a great deal of valuable life skills while playing a game.
Playing board games helps us help them to learn skills that they can adapt to the classroom and their lives. A key skill they learn in many of our games is self control.
“Technology is taking away one on one time with children”
Highlights of what playing a game gives to students are the skills listed below::
1. Understanding of why rules are important – the concept of rules
2. Learning communications skills – taking turns, verbal communication
3. Concentration skills which reduces stress because your mind is taken away from the day to day pressures. Plus social laughter has been proven to release endorphins which can be calming.
4. Technology is taking away one on one time with children. Children and parents are both using technology more and this at times shortens face to face interaction.
5. Learning how to win and lose gracefully as modeled by their the adult.
6. Adaptive logic skills for critical thinking are developed and the brain connections are made.
a. Detecting patterns
b. Planning ahead
c. Predictive outcomes with alternative moves
d. Adapting with experience
e. Reasoning skills
“ Adaptive logic skills for critical thinking are developed and the brain connections are made”
Many elementary age students adapt and learn with board games with their mentors/parents. Over time they become more confident and gain great skills. Playing games together creates one on one time which is a wonderful added benefit.. Playing board games is a value to the mentoring/parenting process with a child.
Recommended Games:
Connect Four (put picture of the game)
Guess Who (put picture of the game)
For more information, please read: