How to Find the Right Games for Kids

With educators taking note of the benefits of game-based learning and giving it their stamp of approval, games for kids tailored for educational purposes are flooding the market place. This makes it important for parents to learn to tell the good games from the bad.

Why is Game-Based Learning Gaining Ground?

We know online educational games come with benefits but what are they? The advantages that educational games have over traditional learning tools are:

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·         Engaging and Fun – These games ask for a high level of engagement from kids and since these games are fun, kids are happy to stay engaged.

·         Provide Context – When concepts and subjects are not isolated and are presented within context, it makes it easier for kids to make the connections.

·         Develop Real World Skills – Apart from the subject at hand, gaming also helps kids develop real world skills like strategy, problem solving and more, because they use realistic situations that ask for a similar response.

·         Redefine Failure – Failing to make it to the next level does not deter kids from trying again and they don’t take failure as final or personally.

Skill-Building

Kids learn a range of skills while playing games. These skills include:

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·         Strategic thinking

·         Problem solving

·         Hand-eye coordination

·         Team work

·         Increased ability to retain information

·         Persistence

·         Fine motor skills

·         Decision making

·         Quick thinking

·         Creativity

·         Familiarity with technology

·         Cognitive skills

Choose the Right Game – A Checklist for Parents

So, we now know how our kids benefit from games. But how can we make sure we are choosing the right online games for kids?

       

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Here’s a checklist for choosing the right games for kids:

·         Consider your kid’s curriculum and the areas where they might need practice and drills.

·         Once you have identified their requirements, consider the expenses and access. Are the apps or games free of cost? What are the platforms on which they are available?

·         Filter the games and apps on the market based on these factors.

·         Read reviews on forums.

·         Test run the online games and apps to see if they are age and grade-appropriate, enjoyable and easy to play.

·         Take your child’s feedback. Do you see your child struggling? Are they easily bored by the game?

·         Don’t forget to make the online environment safe for kids.

·         Set up a game schedule so that it does not take them away from playing outdoors, interacting with those around them, and ignoring their regular schoolwork.

·         If your kid’s school is technology-friendly, you can chat with the teachers about picking the right games for kids and introduce it to them at the right time so that it helps kids relate to and practice what is being taught at school.

·         Lastly, don’t be a killjoy and do include some fun and silly non-educational games into the mix!

Being proactive about choosing the right games and planning the use of these games will ensure that it will pay off.