Benefits of Board Games for Kids
Board games may come across as old-fashioned to many parents but an array of recent games has kids entertained and excited to play each and every time. But they’re not just for fun. Many added benefits will sharpen young minds as they immerse themselves in the wonderful world of board games.
Studies have shown that board games can be used as an educational tool to improve development in children, both at home and at school. Let's take a look at just a few of the many benefits of board games for kids.
What Do the Experts Say?
Learning through play is a common term used in child psychology and education. It claims that through play, kids can improve many skills as well as mature socially and emotionally. Playing games, particularly board games, is a practice applied by many play therapists.
Often traditional board games like checkers or Uno are used by parents but give very little defined structure. Play therapists have encouraged parents and educators to research more board game reviews and see the vast majority of unique games available that’ll develop multiple skills while playing.
Memory and Cognitive Skills
In many board game reviews, you’ll often find what skills are being targeted. Improved memory is often top of the list. Pattern recognition and concentration can promote memory formation. A study performed at the University of Edinburgh found that playing board games from an early age saw a reduced decline in memory later in life.
Cognitive function is another key benefit of board games for kids. Playing these games requires strategy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Children develop these cognitive skills when learning the rules and strategizing how to navigate their way through the board.
Math Skills
Math is a part of our daily life. From simple counting to complex calculations, they become a necessity. As kids start to learn about numbers, board games assist numerical development through identifying, counting, and comparing values. A useful early skill to gain.
As learners get older, and math becomes more difficult, board games help learners to understand probability and calculate estimates. For children who struggle with math, a board game can turn a difficult subject into an enjoyable experience!
Social Skills
Board games offer an opportunity for kids to play cooperatively and competitively in a safe educational environment. By playing a variety of games children’s social skills develop through communication, patience, and even negotiating. Competitive games encourage healthy competition and teach kids to learn failing. An important benefit of cooperative games is understanding the value of teamwork, a helpful lesson throughout life.
Emotional Development
Emotional Development plays a crucial role in early childhood and impacts academic and social outcomes. Board games give kids an opportunity to experience and regulate their emotions. Intending to win, kids are enthusiastic and motivated, creating positive emotions. But, if they lose, they’re faced with disappointment and frustration. Learning to cope with a contrast of emotion helps kids emotionally grow and mature.
Educational Themes
Another added benefit of board games for kids is that you can focus on a specific theme. In researching some board game reviews, you’ll see the educational theme, helping you pair the perfect board game for your kid’s interest. Learning about animals, history, science, and even economics are just a few themes that could spike your child’s attention while being beneficial to their learning.
Imagination and Creativity
Board games provide a creative outlet for kids to explore their imagination and relieve stress. Fantasy and adventure-themed games are perfect for inspiring creativity and originality. Take, ‘Once Upon a Time’, it has many board game reviews and testimonials from parents which cite this game has helped improve their child’s story-telling, vocabulary, and verbal skills.
Cost-effective
A bonus of board games is that they can be a cost-effective addition to educational learning. Both at home and in the classroom. Board games have high replayability and many have different levels of difficulty allowing kids to grow with the game.
There's no doubt or lack of research proving the many benefits of board games. So why not give your kids a jump start and bring back games night.