All I want for Christmas
is for parents to spend more time interacting with their children…reading,
talking, playing board games! And
if you want to know what children really want, it’s the same thing – time and
attention from their parents!
Instead of buying expensive video games, suggest your parents give their
children good old-fashioned board games like Go Fish, Old Maid, or Candy Land
this year.
Why?
The most important reason
to play games with children is because it’s enjoyable and fun for everyone in
the family. Research studies also
suggest that when children play games they develop academic as well as social
and emotional skills, such as:
*number concepts,
counting, shapes
*colors, letters, words
*eye-hand coordination and
small motor skills
*visual memory
*following rules
*taking turns
*self-regulation -
controlling impulses
*improved attention span
*how to lose gracefully –
how to learn from their mistakes
*planning ahead and
problem solving
*persistence – never give
up
When you think about the
focus of most video games versus interactive social games, it’s clear who the
winner is!
Helpful Hints!
Follow the child’s
lead. Never force children to
complete a game or play a game.
Remember, it’s suppose to be FUN!
It’s perfectly fine to adapt games and rules for younger children to
keep their interest. As they get
older they will be ready to “play fair” and follow the rules.
Oh, Well! Model appropriate behavior and how to
lose. Demonstrate how to open your
palms and say, “Oh, well!” when something doesn’t go your way.
How do you
choose games just right for children’s age and stage? Games that are too difficult will frustrate children, and
games that are too easy will lose their interest. Most games have a suggested age range on the box. Here’s a site with additional ideas for
games:
Game Day
January and February can
always be challenging times for teachers.
Why not plan a “game day” every Friday afternoon? Invite children to bring games from
home. Divide children into groups
of 4 and rotate them through 10-15 minutes of each game. Have parent volunteers or upper
grade students help monitor the games.
It’s only a game, but it’s
a WIN-WIN at home or at school!
