IMPPLICATION OF TEACHING AND LEARNING IN CLASSROOM (CHILD)

The Benefits of Playing Games with Children

Kids Can Develop Coordination, Social Skills and Academics with Play

1. Playing Games with Kids Provides Many Benefits

Children love playing games, but games provide more than entertainment and a way to
pass the time. They also help kids mature and grow in various ways.

Most children have a love for games from the time they are very young. In fact, even
infants, toddlers and preschoolers enjoy simple games such as peek-a-boo and patty
cake and often laugh and squeal with delight when playing such games.

Though games are fun, playing games with children provide more benefits than simple
entertainment, particularly when parents play games together with their children. Below
are some of the many benefits children gain from playing games with their parents,
siblings and peers.

2. Games Teach Children Patience, Sharing and Good Sportsmanship

It's not unusual for young children to act impulsively, interrupt, and demand attention.
Games are one way for children to get these normal but undesirable impulses under
control. For example, games teach the concept of taking turns and allowing attention to
be on others at times.
Although it is good to start with short and simple games, games teach patience while
children wait for their turn and wait for the end of the game before they or another player
can be declared the winner.

Games require allowing all participants to use the game board and game pieces and
other equipment and therefore help to promote the concept of sharing. It is impossible
for a game to be played unless the child is willing to allow others to touch, pick up, and
move various pieces of the game.

Children can learn to lose graciously through playing games. They can be taught to
congratulate the winning player and to rejoice in the success of another person. They
can also learn not to gloat when they win and can be taught to express appreciation
regardless of who wins.

3. Games Teach Motor Skills, Listening Skills and Concentration

Games help children develop both fine and gross motor skills. For example, young
children develop fine motor skills when they handle playing cards, pick up small game
pieces and move them around the board, stack and assemble parts and so on.

Gross motor skills are developed through dance games, sports, and old favorites like
Simon Says. Games like Simon Says also help develop good listening skills and
concentration since it is impossible to play the game without paying attention.

4. Educational Concepts Can be Taught Through Learning Games

Almost any subject can be taught through games. For example, card games such as
Uno teach colors and numbers and games like Boggle teach basic reading and phonics.
Games such as Through the Ages can be used to teach history and Totally Gross
teaches the basics of all the major scientific disciplines.
 5. Games Promote Family Fun and Togetherness

Strengthened family relationships are one of the most important benefits of game play
between parents and children. Children thrive when their parents spend time interacting
with them and game provide a great opportunity for interaction between all family
members.

A regular weekly game night that consists of games and fun food is a great way to
strengthen family ties and bonds between all members of the family. As family members
get together and talk, laugh and yes even compete against each other, fun memories
are made and relationships are deepened.

Children who play games from the time they are young will likely grow up enjoying
games and will be more likely to enjoy playing games with family and friends even as
teens and young adults.

Games are an excellent way to teach patience and good sportsmanship, motor and
listening skills, concentration, and academics. They are also a way to improve family
relationships.

(http://www.suite101.com/content/the-benefits-of-playing-games-with-children-a182544)