Games aren’t Just Fun – They’re Super Educational ONE OF THE EASIEST AND FASTEST WAYS FOR US GROWN-UPS TO REALLY CONNECT WITH AND TEACH OUR KIDS, IS TO PLAY GAMES WITH THEM. It turns out playing games is actually good for us! Here are some reasons why: 1. Playing games together promote family fun and togetherness Playing games naturally connects us with others, giving us a chance to be together in a “present-moment” way. By having regular ‘game time’ we’re giving the whole family ‘time off’ to be together and have fun. We’re also showing our kids that play is important and that we value spending quality time with them. 2. Playing games teaches patience, sharing and good sportsmanship Even simple games like hide and seek or snakes and ladders involve taking turns and learning to respect others’ feelings. Kids can learn to regulate their own emotions by learning how it feels to ‘win’ and ‘loose’, inevitably building awareness of rules, ‘good play’ and fairness. Much needed life skills!
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3. Games are fun and make us happy Instantly ridding us of seriousness and bringing us into the present, games are a sure way to make us happy and can even help kids feel more confident. The interaction and hands on time spent with us is what they thrive on. 4. They help kids master a ton of skills Developmentally, games provide an easy, fun way for children to tackle eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, colour, number and shape recognition, grouping and counting, letter recognition, reading and more. By playing the same game repetitively, a child’s brain can learn concepts that could take a lot longer to master in the classroom setting. 5. Helps develop motor skills Spending lots of time sitting (in class or in front of TV), their gross and fine motor skills can easily become neglected. Simple games like Twister, Simon Says and rope
