IT'S ALL IN A GAME by Susan Neuman Taylor, MSW Games have played an important role in the lives of people for many centuries. Prehistoric men used games for entertainment as well as establishing a social pecking order. Games continue to serve many functions in our current lives. They give us cause to gather and talk with each other, both as spectators and as players. Games offer many opportunities to observe, absorb and practice social skills. They also give us the chance to have fun and challenge ourselves. Just how do games happen to offer so much? Here are some of the many ways that playing a card or a board game can help a child learn good social skills: Eye contact is an essential part of playing a game. It signals when one player has finished a turn and another player may start their turn. Conversation skills can be practiced when playing a game. Sometimes children are more willing to talk in general when they are engaged in a game. Patience, or delaying gratification can be practiced when waiting to take a turn. Learning how to enjoy another's success is also a valuable skill to learn. The fact that others do not enjoy playing a game with you, if you pout when you do not win is important to learn. Thinking ahead can be practiced with many games. Ticktacktoe, for example, requires strategy. This type of planning ahead helps encourage a mental manipulation of possible moves and their outcomes. Most games require that rules be followed. This is an important skill for children who are about to enter school. Games offer a way to structure time. Children learn how to fill time that is not full of other activities. Whey not encourage them to engage in the pastime of game playing that has so many added benefits. Games can also strengthen math, reading and spelling skills. Games with pieces to move can encourage the development of fine motor skills So take time to play a game with a child who is important to you. Keep it fun and positive. Let the focus be on enjoying the time together. It can give the satisfaction of spending time together and knowing that much is being gained in the process. Games for preschoolers: (4-5 year old through K-garten) Candyland Hi-Ho, Cherrio! Chutes and Ladders Preschool domino games Memory (reduce the number of matches used) My First Uno game Go Fish! Bed bugs Games for lower elementary children (1st through 3rd grades) Uno Memory Chutes and Ladders Dominoes Go Fish! Don't Break the Ice Yatzi Trouble Splash! Guess Who Old Maid Blockhead! Perfection Games for upper elementary (4th through 6th) Uno Monopoly Go Fish for Letters Scrabble Guess Who Clue Skip-bo 25 Words or Less Judge for Yourself This is just a beginning list. There are many more fun, learning and fast-paced games available. Many old familiar games require a deck of playing cards. So, GO PLAY! It's all in a game! |
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