Board children? Just roll with it!

I imagine that many people probably think, as I did before becoming a learning mentor, was that a game of Snakes and Ladders was just that…a game. However, I now understand how big an impact they can have on our children’s development.

I always played games with my children when they were young, and as a family we still play games now. At the time I did not realise the learning they were getting from it, but these positive experiences naturally followed on into my work. Playing games are a fun way (most of the time!) for children to practice the skills that are needed to navigate their way through daily life.  These can range from helping children and young people to share take turns, develop their language, set goals, be patient, become creative and develop confidence.

The simplest of games such as Pick a Pair have cognitive benefits. They require a player to remember rules and strategies, as well as increasing concentration and memory. More complicated games such as Chess or Mastermind encourage problem solving, strategy, creative thinking and predicting other players moves.

Pass the Pigs, Dobble and Frustration are great ways to practice emotional regulation and build resilience. They are fast paced, and players can experience euphoria and disappointment within seconds. This provides a valuable lesson in sportsmanship. Celebrating winning, whether it be us or another player, alongside losing gracefully or having empathy with the loser.

Rummikub, Scrabble and Hangman provide a complimentary educational aspect. All of them incorporating either a numeracy or literacy element. In some of these games there is often a time constraint imposed on players. This allows children to practice time management and making decisions under pressure.

Playing with family and friends promotes and strengthens social interactions and relationships. It encourages laughter and relaxation which release endorphins, and because we are connecting with others there is an opportunity to create memories, family traditions and strengthen relationships. However, boardgames often lead to arguments or disagreements, but playing with family or friends means that resolving conflicts and managing strong emotions can be practiced in a safe environment.

Winning and success help build confidence and self-esteem. Regular experiences of this can enhance feelings of happiness, satisfaction and improve overall mood. In turn this helps build a child’s resilience. Knowing that although this time they may not have won, they can draw upon the times they have.

Dexterity and fine motor skills, as well as hand to eye co-ordination are developed through moving counters or rolling a dice. Shuffling or holding a hand of cards is quite an art in itself.

Research suggests that board games can help children learn to follow rules, develop their attention and concentration.

As a learning mentor they are a vital part of my toolbox. They can be used during a 1:1 or group session with children or provide an alternative to electronic games and in a family session at a child’s home. Their purpose can be to break the ice at the beginning of a session or act as a reward.

But best of all is when they’re played just for fun!!

• Nakao, M (2019.) Special series on “effects of board games on health education and promotion” board games as a promising tool for health promotion: a review of recent literature.  Biopsycosoc Med (13, 5.)
• Dodd, D. C., Zabriskie, R. B., Widmer, M. A., & Eggett, D. (2009). Contributions of family leisure to family functioning among families that include children with developmental disabilities. Journal of Leisure Research, 41(2), 261-286.
• Hornberger, L. B., Zabriskie, R. B., & Freeman, P. (2010). Contributions of family leisure to family functioning among single-parent families. Leisure Sciences, 32(2), 143-161.
• Eriksson, M., Kenward, B., Poom, L., & Stenberg, G. (2021). The behavioural effects of cooperative and competitive board games in pre-schoolers. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 62(3), 355-364.
• Elofsson, J., Gustafson, S., Samuelsson, J., & Träff, U. (2016). Playing number board games supports 5-year-old children’s early mathematical development. The Journal of Mathematical Behaviour, 43, 134-147.
• Kim, S. H., Han, D. H., Lee, Y. S., Kim, B. N., Cheong, J. H., & Han, S. H. (2014). Baduk (the game of Go) improved cognitive function and brain activity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatry Investigation, 11(2), 143.
• Domingues‐Montanari, S. (2017). Clinical and psychological effects of excessive screen time on children. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 53(4), 333-338.