Board Games

Playing Boards Games as a Homeschooling Activity

Are you looking for a fun and educational activity to incorporate into your homeschooling routine? Consider playing board games! My four year old is board game obsessed at the moment and I am loving this phase. She loves to play games and I have really noticed a difference in her ability to lose a game (still something we will continue to work on), building confidence, making strategic decisions (how she is beating me more during the game Trouble) and boosting her concentration and memory. Board games are not only a great way to have fun with the family, but they also offer numerous benefits for children's cognitive development. Let's explore some of the advantages of playing popular board games like Snakes and Ladders, Trouble, Mouse Trap, and Guess Who.

Enhances Critical Thinking Skills

Board games require your child to plan ahead and make decisions based on the current game situation. Games like Trouble and Mouse Trap challenge children to think critically and come up with creative solutions to overcome obstacles. By engaging in these strategic thinking processes, your child can enhance their problem-solving skills and logical reasoning abilities.

Improves Social Skills

Playing board games involves social interaction, whether it's taking turns, cooperating with teammates, or engaging in friendly competition. Games like Guess Who encourage communication and socialisation as players ask questions and make deductions to guess their opponent's character. These interactions help children develop important social skills such as communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. My daughter does have a melt down when she loses and I focus with her on "How would you feel if I got really upset and started yelling at you about losing?" Building resilience and sportsmanship is really important as lifelong skills.

Boosts Math Skills

Many board games, including Snakes and Ladders, involve counting, addition, and basic math operations. As children move their game pieces along the board, they practice counting spaces, adding numbers, and understanding numerical concepts. This hands-on approach to learning math can make the subject more engaging and enjoyable for your child.

Enhances Fine Motor Skills

Games like Mouse Trap often require players to manipulate small pieces, set up intricate mechanisms, and perform precise actions. These activities can help children develop their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity. By moving game pieces, rolling dice, or building structures, your child can improve their motor skills in a fun and engaging way.

Promotes Cognitive Development

Board games stimulate various aspects of cognitive development, including memory, attention, and concentration. Your child will need to remember game rules, pay attention to the game progress, and stay focused during gameplay. These mental exercises can enhance children's cognitive abilities and improve their overall brain function.

Next time you're looking for a homeschooling activity that is both entertaining and educational, consider incorporating board games into your routine. Whether you're climbing ladders, avoiding traps, guessing characters, or popping Trouble bubbles, playing board games can offer a wide range of benefits for your child's development. So gather your family around the table, roll the dice, and enjoy the learning journey through the world of board games!

Reach out if you have any questions.

What games does your family like to play?

Emma