The Benefits of Gameschooling
Who doesn’t love a good board game? It’s fun getting family and friends together to strategize and compete! I’m sure you have lots of fond memories of playing games as a kid, as do I. Now that I have kids, we try to play at least one game as a family each day. Not only does it bring us together but it is teaching our children so much! Let’s talk about the benefits of Gameschooling.
Gameschooling – learning through play!
Socialization
While playing games, we are forced to communicate with others. You could be negotiating real estate in Monopoly or working together to get the huckleberries back to Grandma in Wildcraft. Either way, we are connecting with others in a structured environment to allow easy socialization. This can be especially helpful to those who are shy, have anxiety or have trouble speaking to others. The game gives them something specific to talk about instead of feeling the pressures to come up with things. Not only do games get children talking, they bring laughter and teach values like empathy and compassion.
Education
A hands-on, fun experience is a great way for children to learn. There are many games that incorporate math, spelling, reading, patterns, puzzles, etc. This helps break up the redundancy of worksheets and bookwork while still working on important skills.
Games will also help children to learn turn-taking and patience. Over time, this will strengthen their focus and allow them pay attention longer.
The structured rules of board games will teach children the importance of following directions.
Memories
As I said before, I have fond memories of playing games as a child. My favorite was mancala. I would play all the time with my cousins and it’s a memory I treasure. Now, I am making memories playing mancala with my 6 year old. Games provide a fun atmosphere for families to get together and create positive memories. Ending the busy day with a game is a great way to make sure you are getting in some quality family time.
Brain Power
Mental stimulation is vital for children to learn. The more connections they make, the faster they can start understanding things. This is exercising the brain, allowing for further education and understanding.
In order to get better at games, you have to strengthen your strategy skills. Learning to predict what your opponents next move is will greatly improve your chances of winning. Just like in real life, strategy helps you decide where you should put your efforts and resources in order to further your success.
Games help us think! Logic and reasoning promote critical thinking. Asking children questions like “why” will get their brain working and strengthen their ability to process information and create a conclusion based on that information.
Bettering One’s Self
Losing a game is an important lesson for kids. They learn to deal with disappointment and develop grit and perseverance.
Games also teach honesty and that cheating to win isn’t the right choice. Well, as long as there is an individual to call them out on their bluff! My children know that if I catch them cheating, the game is over and I win!
Through games, children gain self-confidence. They strengthen their ability to make choices on their own and feel good about their decisions.
Lastly, games help to de-stress by giving an escape from real word pressures. Nothing makes the body feel better than fun experiences and laughter with friends and family!
Why am I sharing gameschooling with you?
It is hard to find quality games that fit the interests and experience levels of each family member. Looking at games from the box doesn’t give a great idea of how the game is played or what benefits it may have for children. My hope is to share with you our favorite games and why they are our favorites so that you can choose which games are best for your family (and so that you can graduate from the redundant Candy Land and explore all of the amazing games that are out there!).
