Note: This article was first written for and published at the Carrot Ranch Literary Community as part of a series supporting parents with children learning at home. The benefits of playing board games are the same whether played at home or at school. If you have older children or adults available to support children while they play, board games are an excellent activity for learning in groups across many areas of the curriculum.
One of the best ways to have fun while learning, or to learn while having fun, is by playing board games. Playing games together as a family helps to bond family relationships. Adjustments can be made to suit most numbers and ages and rules can be adapted to suit your purposes. While the main thing is to have fun together, there is a lot of learning going on too.
Social Skills
- One of the greatest benefits of playing board games is the development of social skills.
- Some of the social skills children learn include:
- Getting along and taking turns
- Playing fair β accept the roll (if dice are used) or draw (if cards are used) for example, and respond accordingly: donβt try to pretend it
Continue reading: Combat Boredom with Board Games – readilearn
It is difficult for some children to understand the concept of ‘It’s only a game’.
Sometimes even playing simple games especially when there are young ones.
But I think if all the players can be happy for everyone just having a good time it can be a very valuable to way to teach good sportsmanship π
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I agree, Kate. I think having a good time together is the best thing.
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This is a popular post, Norah! I don’t think people are bored of board games. I know I really miss having people over to play.
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I do too, Charli. I wish they were easier to play online, and while that would be good, it still wouldn’t be the same thing.
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I loved this post the first time, and I’m glad you posted it again. This is important!
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Thank you, Jennie. One can never play too many games. π
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Definitely! Youβre welcome, Norah.
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I used to love board games as a kid and with my children. They teach so many life skills.
(Sorry, I’m having trouble “liking” posts today. My computer rebooted and did something.)
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They do, Patricia. So much learning occurs while having fun.
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I’m surprised how many are pulling out their old board games, from the back of the bottom shelf. And they’re enjoying them!
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Yes, it’s great news, isn’t it? Such important learning.
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SO true. We have taught all of our grandchildren about competition and sportsmanship through board games. The hardest lesson was sportsmanship (ie, not cheating and not throwing the cards across the room in anger). ;-0
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Those are important lessons to learn, Pam. Better learned in a game that in ‘real life’ experiences. π
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How right you are!! xo
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Loved reading this! I love board games too
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Thank you. That’s great to hear.
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π
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I enjoyed this piece the first time I read it, Norah. As kids begin to get a little older, one of the best things for them to learn through board games is sportsmanship. I played so much Monopoly when I was a kid that I’m sure it helped my mental math skills.
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I have played so many hours of Monopoly with my grandson I could play it in my sleep. But even when dreaming, I lose! π
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π
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Sportsmanship is an important thing to learn, Pete. I played a bit of Monopoly with my siblings, not so much with my children. It wasn’t my favourite game, but there is certainly much that can be learned from playing it. Rober Kiyosaki says it’s a great game to play for financial literacy.
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We all love games a great way to learn and pass the time π Stay well and safe , Norah π
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It is indeed, Carol. Thank you for your wishes. I hope you and your family stay safe and well also.
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I’m competitive in board games. When I visit my daughter, I often ask them to play board games. My daughter loved board games also growing up.
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I’m sure your granddaughters will also enjoy playing games, Miriam. I love playing games with my grandchildren.
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Yes, Norah, games are the best thing for interaction.
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i love board games and learnt a lot about my family from their cheating!
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It is interesting what we can learn about others. π
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absolutely, it opens doors in unexpected ways!
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It can certainly do that. π
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great entertainment, keeps the grey matter ticking over, good socialising and most educational … no idea why people watch tellie!
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I agree with all those points.
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I love board games and love playing them with all ages
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I agree, Beth. π
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Me too, they are fun. Especially during these times!
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