In the digital age, educational games provide an exciting opportunity for children to learn while having fun. However, the benefits of game-based learning can be further enhanced when parents are involved in these activities together with their children. Shared educational games are not only entertaining, they also strengthen the bond between parents and children, support learning and help children to develop essential life skills. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of shared educational games, how parents can support learning through games at home and we’ll offer advice for choosing suitable games for each development stage.
Benefits of shared educational games
Strengthening the bond between parents and children: Shared games create precious moments which allow parents and children to connect on a deeper level. Playing together gives parents the opportunity to get involved in the interests of their children and be an active part of their learning. This strengthens mutual trust, fosters open communication and creates spaces for meaningful exchanges.
Improving learning and critical thinking: Educational games teach key concepts such as mathematics, science, literacy and problem solving in an attractive and interactive way. When parents participate, they can guide their children through challenges, helping them to rationalize their decisions and make connections with the real world. This support favors a deeper understanding of the content and strengthens their self-esteem.
Emotional skills development: Games that involve cooperation or skill generate various emotions in children. By playing together, parents have the opportunity to model emotional intelligence, showing how to manage both victories as well as defeats and frustration as well as achievements. These moments provide the possibility of teaching them valuable lessons about perseverance, patience and teamwork.
Promoting digital literacy and online safety: By actively participating in play time, parents can educate their children on the importance of digital literacy and online safety. They can discuss key topics such as responsible screen-time management, the balance between online and offline activities, and safe interaction in multiplayer games. This proactive participation provides children with the necessary tools to safely and responsibly navigate the digital world.
How parents can support game-based learning at home
Establish clear learning objectives: Before starting a game, it’s useful for parents to define clear learning objectives for their children. Whether it’s improving maths skills or learning about a historical topic, having a clear objective in mind gives purpose to the play time and guarantees that the educational content remains the focus. For small children, simple goals such as recognizing shapes or counting could be suitable. For older children, more complex tasks such as solving puzzles or developing strategies may be more challenging and educational.
Actively participate and ask questions: Instead of passively observing, it is important for parents to actively participate in the game. Posing questions about what is happening, asking children to explain their reasoning and connect what they’re learning to real life improves their understanding. This stimulates curiosity and reflection, thus enriching the learning experience. For example, after playing a geography game, parents can ask children to point out the places they’ve learnt about on a real map, reinforcing their learning in a practical way.
Create a balanced routine: Although educational games are an excellent tool for learning, it is essential to balance screen time with other activities such as reading, physical exercise and creative play. Establishing time limits for games ensures that they complement learning rather than dominate it. In addition, you can alternate between online educational games and offline activities that reinforce what you have learned, such as building models or conducting science experiments related to the topics covered.
Choosing age-appropriate games that facilitate shared learning
Consider the educational value: It is essential to choose games that fit your child’s developmental stage and learning needs. For young children, look for games that encourage basic skills such as counting, reading or shape recognition. For older children, choose games that challenge their critical thinking, such as puzzles, scientific simulations or strategy games.
Check the classifications by age and content: Make sure the game is appropriate for your child’s age by checking ratings and content warnings. Organizations such as the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) provide guidance on the suitability of a game’s content for different age groups. This helps parents to avoid games containing violence or inappropriate material.
Prioritize collaboration and cooperative games: Look for games that promote collaboration and offer multiplayer modes, allowing parents and children to work together. Collaborative games that require teamwork to solve puzzles or achieve goals can strengthen family bonds and create a more engaging and interactive learning environment.
Try the game before playing together: It is highly recommended that parents try the game beforehand. This allows them to familiarize themselves with its content, understand its dynamics and ensure that it aligns with the educational objectives they’re looking for. In addition, testing the game will give them the opportunity to detect possible challenges that their children may face, so that they can anticipate and provide the necessary guidance when they arise.
Conclusion
Interactive learning between parents and children through educational games offers countless benefits, from strengthening family ties to notably improving learning results. By playing together, parents have the opportunity to guide their children, stimulate their critical thinking and promote their emotional development. Supporting game-based learning at home implies establishing clear objectives, actively participating in the process and balancing screen time with other activities. By choosing age-appropriate games that align with the educational needs of their children, parents can turn learning into a fun shared experience which prepares children for success both in the virtual world and in daily life.
