How to Choose Games that Exercise the Brain

The human brain needs exercise in order to be fit to learn. Regardless of age or education level, childhood problem-solving games are the best brain exercise activities. Content and the games must change regularly. Problems must challenge learners and be nonthreatening. No learner should be left out of games. Brain exercise games must stimulate emotions with laughter, anticipation and celebration. Who doesn't need more play while they learn?

Things You'll Need

• Age appropriate games

Instructions

Choosing games that Exercise the Brain

1. 

   Select games that are appropriate for the age of learners. Many childhood games suit learning objectives. Use games that young learners can comprehend. The point is to have fun, not stress out. Adjust content for adult students.

2. 

   Play board games such as Monopoly, Password or Jeopardy. Adjust content and scoring to fit classroom objectives. For example, create Jeopardy answers that relate to course content and count scores as points that are averaged into grades.

3. 

   Play games that allow learners to participate as teachers. Hangman is a great way to give learners a sense of full participation in a learning experience. Let learners provide or ask questions while another student (or even the teacher!) fills in the hangman. Singing games help memorization. Drama helps to bring material alive and helps learners to remember key points.

4. 

   Play in teams. Create teams according to rows or alphabetically. Do not allow learners to select teams. Often they may not select some students, which creates a threatening environment. A team game can require each team member to run to the board and fill in blanks, passing the marker to the next person in the row. First to finish with all of the correct answers wins. It is acceptable to make prizes fun. Candy or free time are great "trophies."

5. 

   Keep young learners active. Simple recitation while playing familiar games helps learners to remember information. Play hopscotch outside, with each box/jump a word to learn.

Resources

• Brain Workout
• Brain Based Strategy
• Kids Play to Learn
• Brain Compatible Learning