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Benefits Gaming Provides During Homeschooling
For many parents today, homeschooling wasn't something they had planned on happening prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as more children are learning from home, or as they move between home and school as viral spread necessitates, the challenge for many parents is providing additional curriculum features to supplement what children might be missing from the traditional classroom. That's where gaming comes in.
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An Opportunity for Learning Beyond the Classroom
For the last few decades, video games have received bad press. However, it's not necessarily the game makers' fault. Video games have age ratings, and parents should pay attention to those ratings and make sure their children's experiences are in sync with their emotional and maturity level.
Also, every child should have limits on the hours spent per day playing video games, and few people will argue otherwise; but, the University of Arkansas points out that as long as video games aren't the only recreation a child has, and they don't interfere with family time, they can actually help your child grow.
Gaming can provide learning opportunities for children regardless of where they attend school. Parents are discovering that video games have the ability to pique a child's curiosity in areas they might never have before. For example, a child who previously had no interest in history might want to know more after playing “Valiant Hearts: The Great War.” Other games, such as "Minecraft," offer opportunities to develop problem-solving skills.
Gaming Can Inspire Varied Interests
As parents research what games are best for their children, they should keep in mind that every child is different. The child's own interests should determine the games they play in. While some children may display an aptitude for history, others may take an interest in the earth and issues related to sustainability.
Listen to your child for cues. When exposed to subjects that interest them, you are providing them with tools to develop a successful future with that subject, or at the very least, the knowledge they may not otherwise have felt implored to gain. If your child shows a keen interest in varied subjects, this could be a cue that your child is gifted.
Examples of Enjoyable Yet Educational Games
While some games combine built-in quizzes and learning, the challenges are fun. For example, the "National Geographic Challenge" mixes easy and difficult questions so every child who plays can combine winning with learning. This game is great for children who have expressed an interest in history and geography. Multiple people can play for a family game night.
Another game that expands historical knowledge is the "Nancy Drew Interactive Mysteries." In addition to history, your child will also learn about different cultures, which makes it a great tool for teaching about diversity.
For children who need some help with math or are already good at it, "Zoombinis" can expand their problem-solving skills. Each level gets more challenging, and children must use logic to evade the evil Bloat and make their way to Zoombiniville.
The Importance of Keeping It Fun
There are so many great games that on the face don't appear to teach skills, yet NPR explains that because they provide your child with a challenge, they automatically do. With that in mind, offer your child a variety of games. When they need a break from schoolwork, give them 30 minutes with a learning game before they have to hit the books again.
As families rely more heavily on the internet for everything from work, school, streaming entertainment, and games, be sure you have faster internet to handle everything you have going on in your home. Lag can take enjoyment from gaming.
If the internet has done one great thing for learning, it's that it's lessened the need for space-eating and costly books. If you grew up with encyclopedias, you can appreciate that statement a bit more. The next time your child wants to break for video games, consider what your child might be gaining from the experience.
