Our game investigation came about in the most organic and natural way possible, and it was the perfect fit for my particular group of kindergartners this year. One day someone brought a game to school in the share sack, and then all the kiddos gathered around after snack to play it. The following day our next sharer also brought in a game, and the same thing happened. It only took two days to VERY clearly see that this group of kiddos already had many of the social skills required for successful game play and that they absolutely loved doing it too.
The countless benefits of playing board games are well researched and documented. Board games help develop...
- math skills - number recognition, grouping, counting, detecting patterns
- literacy skills - letter and word recognition, writing, sequencing, vocabulary development
- social skills - communicating, sharing, taking turns, patience, being a good sport
- cognitive skills - problem solving, strategizing, decision making, critical thinking, logic and reasoning skills, cause and effect
- ability to focus and persevere
- friendships and a sense of belonging and community through shared fun
