The games we play
by Suri Poulos Mind Lab Europe 23 Oct 2010 13:07
Board games lead to brighter children and happier families, so here are eight steps to help you make the most of game-time …
It maybe child's play, but you'd be amazed at what children can learn through games. Watch children playing board games with each other, running a three legged race or playing football – they’re having fun and, at the same time, learning co-operation, teamwork, role clarity, strategy and tactics.
Not only is there is a wealth of supporting research, but there are also a growing number of educational advocates who emphasise that the most productive way of learning is through fun and hands-on experience and that game playing provides the perfect tool.
According to the head of Ofsted, for example, children who play traditional board games at home do better at school. He said the games help children to think for themselves, to wait their turn and to hold a conversation with adults. And he expressed a concern that computer games and television can discourage children from activities that better stimulate their imagination.
Stephen Twigg, Education Minister, said that play is vitally important to education. The National Union of Teachers conference produced a statement saying that children, in particular, learn through play and they want everyone to spend more time playing, as a "crucial" lifelong learning tool. The National Foundation for Educational Research concluded that children should have more access to "play-based" learning.
Even the venerable Plato said “Not by force shall the youth learn, but through play.”
So what can you do to reap the benefits of game playing with your own children? Here are eight steps to help you get started …
1. Get some good games
Buy or dust off some games that are old favourites. Games like draughts, dominoes, connect four and card games, are not only terrific fun but they are also stimulating, challenging and involve concentration and strategy.
2. Make it a regular thing
Choose a convenient slot in your weekly routine that is an ideal time for your family to sit down together and play a few games, such as a Friday evening or a Sunday afternoon, for example.
3. Set the scene
Add some elements to help “game time” become a family tradition: add favourite foods (bowls of popcorn or mugs of hot chocolate perhaps?), a comfy warm setting (in front of a roaring fire?), invite grandparents, etc.
4. Cater for all ages
Start with games that are suited to the youngest age group present, or have a few games going at the same time that fit the various age ranges. Make sure everyone understands the rules and aims of the game being played. Give everyone a chance by demonstrating good moves and strategies on the game board before beginning the “real” game”.
5. Discuss game etiquette
Explain that to enjoy playing games we all have to play by the rules, respect our partners and respect the outcome of the game. In order to have fun playing games together, we can’t gloat when we win and we can’t get upset when we lose. If we play lots of games together, there will be lots of chances for each of us to win sometimes, and lose sometimes. Either way we will have had a fun time playing together.
6. Be a positive role model
Show your own interest and enthusiasm for the game, give it concentration and effort, both for your own enjoyment, and also as a role model for your children. Rather than play ineffectively to ensure your child wins, instead, help your child learn from your game playing skills. Discuss out loud the moves you are making and why, to help your child understand the strategies you are using. If your child makes a move that is to their disadvantage, encourage them to look again and guide them to see a better move by asking them open questions such as:
- “What are all the different options you have?”
- “What will happen if you make that move?”
- “What might be a better move that you could take?”
- “I can see a way that you can win, can you see it?”
7. Capture the learning
Whether your child wins or loses, at the end of the game summarise what you learnt from the game and then ask your child:
- “What did you learn from that game?”
- “What might you do differently next time we play?”
8. Keep it fresh
Keep people interested in ‘game time’ by regularly introducing new games. Surprise everyone by giving the family a new game as a present every few weeks. Games that can be played within an hour and involve thinking, memory, strategy or calculation are recommended - for example: Othello, Guess Who, Mancala, Nine Man Morris, Scrabble, Chinese Chequers or Rush Hour.
We hope you enjoy and learn from “game time” in your family as much as we do in ours!
