Learning Skills Games

There are many games that reinforce learning and thinking skills.

Children enjoy playing games of all kinds. Whether you choose online games, board games or video games, there are many that help build a variety of learning skills. Games for preschoolers can focus on learning skills such as color, number and letter recognition. Early elementary-aged children enjoy games involving word play, counting and problem solving skills. Older children or families can play games that reinforce math, reading and critical thinking skills.

Scrabble Junior

Scrabble Junior teaches letter and word recognition.

Scrabble Junior is a variation of the familiar Scrabble game adults have played for years. This is a game for up to four players, ages 5-8. Each player maintains a set of seven letter tiles and places them on the pre-formed words on the game board. The first person to fill in a complete word gets the points for that word. This game reinforces the learning skills of letter and word recognition

Animal Crossing

Many video games teach learning and thinking skills.

Animal Crossing is a video game, rated "E" for Everyone, in which players become characters in a town of animals. Throughout the game, a player's reading and writing skills are reinforced as they write notes to other players, talk to the animals and build a life within the community. Children become engaged in the game and, without realizing it, often use reading skills that are above grade level.

ClueFinders Math Adventure

There are many free educational computer games available on children's web sites.

Children ages 9-12 build reading and math skills on the computer while playing ClueFinders Math Adventure. Working with the ClueFinders team, players venture into the Himalayan mountains to find treasures that are mysteriously disappearing. As they purchase supplies at the village store and try to figure out clues, children use critical thinking and reasoning skills, too. ClueFinders Math Adventure is available in many office supply, toy and discount stores.

References

• Scrabble Junior
• Science News For Kids: What Video Games Can Teach Kids
• ClueFinders Math Adventures

Resources

• Education.Com: Are Video Games Educational?
• Best Preschool Games: Educational Board Games