I have brought you the 'six reasons to use board games' by Malena Martín (responsible for Learning Mathematics), and I do it because at home we really like this type of entertainment. Like Malena I have always 'granted' qualities beyond 'spending a long Sunday afternoon'.
I really like the way you my children learn to think and look for solutions or strategies while they play Monopoly, the naval battle or the Catán. I am also surprised by the ability to attract the attention they have (it is the case of the Tangram in my house), without a doubt these games can make leisure time productive in the simplest way. Malena recommends us that we make a small collection of board games to spend some of the hot moments that await us, or some of the sunset hours ... when the children are already more than 'fed up' (it is a clear saying) to run outdoors with their friends. Children learn by playing, we all know that, and we just have to provide them with opportunities and our company.
Do you want to know what are the six reasons to use board games?
1.- They work on the understanding of all types of mathematical concepts. From the simplest game like the Parcheesi to wonderful games of logic or geometry, children can use the games to better understand all kinds of mathematical concepts.
2. Promote the acquisition of problem solving methods. This is especially significant in strategy games. Many times we hear how children do not know how to solve problems, but we seldom ask ourselves if we create situations where they have to develop strategy and freely try and prove.
3. Create environments that encourage thinking mathematically. With board games, situations are created that encourage thinking mathematically. It may be reaching the end of a circuit or thinking about how to arrange the pieces in a puzzle, but there is always a situation that requires a logical-mathematical type of thinking.
4. Increase children's ability to help each other. They promote team spirit. Whether they are games that involve making teams or games that are played individually, children think out loud and throw a cable to the one in trouble. It is that type of aid without adult intervention, among peers, those that "really" serve.
5. Help identify errors and difficulties and children as they play a game the mistakes decrease. Children limit their abilities, correct their mistakes and ask for more and more. Don't underestimate the work children do when playing.
6. Promote debate and search for better strategies. In front of errors, doubts and difficulties, over time, longer and more complex dialogues appear, to arrive at effective and shared solutions.
Do not give it more laps: now we will all have more free time and board games are a good option to have fun and learn ... as if that were not enough the investment is still economical. And it is not always necessary to buy the latest game on the market, because it may be enough to check cabinets, print boards, or find places where they have offers, as is the case of Zacatrus.
