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Families That Play Together Stay Together
(And Learn, Too!)
By Kendeyl Johansen
Finding time to play is sometimes difficult. One idea is to schedule a family game night twice per month. Add snacks and everyone will look forward to a night of fun.
Playing to Learn
In addition to strengthening family bonds, playing games together fosters learning. Louis Pukelis of Illinois often played entry-level computer games, like Reader Rabbit, and board games, like Chutes and Ladders and Memory with his son and daughter. "Playing games helped my son and daughter with reading, shapes, etc.," says Pukelis. "Today, my son, who is a second-grader, is reading and doing math at the fifth grade level, and my daughter, a kindergartener, is reading at a third grade level." Indeed, preschoolers can learn plenty from playing games of all kinds.
- Games teach basic social manners. Kids learn to wait for turns, share and work together.
- Children develop compassion and empathy when they watch competitors face challenges.
- Game playing encourages critical thinking skills. Kids practice problem solving, counting and math.
- Games develop gross and small motor skills. Think of your hild "jumping rope" in Charades or turning over cards one at a time.
