Schools and teachers worldwide have started using learning games to teach young children – with great results! Even so, parents and guardians often worry that they’re letting their children waste their studying time by playing these games. If you’re one of these guardians, rest assured! In this article, we’ll guide you through 7 proven benefits that learning games provide to your child’s education!
Disguises playing as learning
The first benefit is that learning games trick children into learning! We can’t stop children from playing, but what if we can have them learn along the way? For example, when children go through quests to get a prize, they have to figure out the best way to do so. Learning games allow children to have fun and learn at the same time. The game makes them learn to use their skills and knowledge to achieve their goal! Learning games for kids challenge them to make good decisions throughout the game with the resources at their disposal. It’s much like learning to solve problems at school, don’t you think? This form of learning occurs subconsciously, unlike in the classroom, thus most of the time children aren’t even aware of it. The fact that kids are getting used to learning independently makes it even better!
Allows children to learn better
The second benefit is that learning games allow children to have a better learning experience! When children study in a classroom, odds are they’re not having as much fun as they would when playing. But if they’re learning while playing, it becomes a different story. Games-based learning uses gamification, which adds gaming elements, such as leaderboards, quests, and prizes, to everyday activities to make them more enjoyable. These features motivate children into clearing games much better, which in turn leads to several benefits! The logic is, if they’re determined to clear a level, then they’ll work harder to achieve it. If they work harder in the game, they’ll be more active in learning the necessary skills. For example, a study found that learning games allow children to:
- Increase their participation
- Improves focus and attention
- Improve reading and comprehension skills
- …and many more!
The learning experience children get from games is much more fun, effective, and vivid compared to learning in a classroom.
Provides a low-risk learning environment
The third benefit is that learning games allow children to learn with low risk! When they learn in school, children are tested through assignments, homework, and exams. The grades they receive from their studying become a permanent record in their learning journey. The stakes are much higher for them and children have more to lose, which can lead to more pressure and stress while learning. But in learning games, children don’t have to worry! They can rest easy while playing these games, because…well, they’re games. The activities children go through in games have no direct consequence to their learning record in real life. And, like mentioned before, children don’t even realize that they’re learning, so they don’t even need to think about it! The low stakes and minimal consequences in learning games allow children to practice things that they can’t in school, such as:
- Explore new approaches to solve difficult challenges
- Learn to take risks to find the best solution
- Test out their knowledge and lack of knowledge freely
Follows children’s learning pace
The fourth benefit is that learning games allow children to learn at their own pace. Each child learns differently – some learn quickly and some need more time. While teachers do their best to accommodate all children, it’s hard to teach in a way that suits everyone. It’s not uncommon for children to feel like they’ve fallen behind their friends. This can, in turn, cause feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. Learning games reduces that possibility! By having the player, or the child, have full control on how they proceed with the game, children can learn at their own pace without having to rush for anyone! With less pressure and competition, children can find the learning games much more fun, enjoyable, and valuable!
Delivers a more enjoyable social learning experience
The fifth benefit is that games allow children to practice their social skills in a more relaxing manner! Some learning games allow children to play and interact with a group of other players. In order to complete stages and tasks in the games, they will need to work together with their peers. Playing as a group allows children to learn how to build meaningful relationships with the people around them and enhance their people skills! Yes, this is similar to group projects at school, but ask yourself one thing: wouldn’t you prefer to play with friends in a game rather than doing a group project for school? The same goes for children! Not only will they find working in games more enjoyable, but they’ll learn much faster in a fun, un-pressured environment than in a high stakes one in school.
Lets children learn outside of class
The sixth benefit is that learning games allow children to learn away from the classroom! No matter how good classrooms can be, they can sometimes feel like a confined space for kids, especially since they associate classrooms with studying – exams, assignments, homework, etc. While they may have fun with their teachers and peers, you can’t deny that they’re always happier when they leave the classroom and go home. Learning games allow children to learn not just outside of class, but practically anywhere! By having children go through games-based learning, they get the chance to practice their skills and knowledge outside the classroom environment and away from any school pressure! This also encourages children to seek out learning on their own! As long as they bring their devices with them, children can learn anytime they want and anywhere they want. Children will be more willing to continue learning in their daily lives if they become accustomed to learning outside of the classroom.
Provides a positive learning experience
Finally, the last benefit is that learning games bring a positive learning experience for children! Studying at school can result in a negative learning experience for children. If they get a bad grade or feel pressured in class, they’re more likely to stay away from learning in the future. Learning games bring the exact opposite! With how fun and enjoyable games can be, children can generate positive memories of learning! Without any negativity in their way, learning through games can improve children’s attitudes towards learning and motivate them to get a good score in real life! By generating a positive memory of learning, children are more likely to like and continue learning in the future.
Try out Practicle’s Math learning game!
Learning games are the next new thing to make learning easier and much more fun for children! With its many benefits, parents and guardians can rest easy in letting their children play. If you’re not sure on which learning game to start on, you can try out Practicle’s math learning app! Our games include daily quizzes and challenges that suit your child’s math level. Not only can your child learn math independently, they can also get prizes and cute pet avatars as they level up! Check out our 7-day free trial or contact us to learn more!
Definitely agree! I think we’ll see a lot of learning games in the future