Why Use Educational Games?

While children are all different in their academic abilities, they are the same in one area - they all like games.

Games allow children to relax, concentrate and enjoy learning. They do not see drill in the same way as they do when repeating information through play. They will participate in games in an excited manner - one rarely seen as children do book work.

Games have the added bonus of companionship. Most games require two or more players, and any activity is more fun if someone else is also participating. If one of the other players is Mom or Dad, even better, as children enjoy their parents' attention. Games are a great way for a busy dad to spend some time with the child(ren).

Games can eliminate many of the frustrations associated with learning that discourage some children:

1. FLASH CARD TYPE DRILL or many workbooks pages can be replaced with the fun play of games. Children do not mind repeating information when it comes in an enjoyable manner.

2. THERE IS LESS NEED OF TESTING. If a child is able to rapidly give correct responses in a math game or never misses a question in a board review game, he has obviously mastered the information.

3. REMEDIAL WORK can be easily accomplished without resorting to materials labeled for a younger age group, thus humiliating a child.

4. THE FEAR OF FAILURE many children have with some academic skills can be so lessened. Using games allows for easy assistance to the child in a difficult area, giving him less help as his ability increases.

Games also assist parents as most games allow multiple ages to play together with some adjusting of rules or cards used in the play. For example, an entire family can enjoy playing Bird Identification Bingo together. While the skill may be directed at the level of a middle child, an older child may play along for the review. While a younger child, who gets a little help, is introduced to the material. Mom and Dad are able to play along, too, just to join in the fun!

Games are fun! It is really as simple as that. Children enjoy fun games and will often beg to play again and again.