How to use educational games for children to reinforce learning
Games are not just a source of entertainment. They are also educational. In fact, they can become a real learning tool if you know how to use them. Many teaching methods are based on this concept. How then can we reinforce learning through such practices?
Introduce the notion of play into learning
We have always thought that “playing while working” is really odious. It is difficult to imagine sharing skills and knowledge like this. However, it is quite the opposite. If a child plays while working, he will learn to work while finding pleasure in it. But the correct term is “work while playing”. We just have to make sure that work remains the main objective of the games.
Yet even those that we consider “non-educational” have an educational character somewhere. Nuance exists. educational games allow the child to acquire common skills. Calculations, way of thinking, reading level… they target certain skills. Classic games like hopscotch further develop the social, affective or emotional side.
Remove all forms of coercive education
School has several disadvantages. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for everyone, hence the many cases of school failure. It is even said that it is the main cause. The review of the school and teaching techniques is therefore on the agenda. The insertion and application of more “fun” methods are recommended. The example of the Montessori method being the most obvious.
Precisely, students each have their own learning pace. And the Montessori technique respects it. learning through educational games therefore becomes the best solution. All you need to do is integrate the notion of play into teaching so that everyone can get together. Either way, games open the mind and understanding. The child is more open, so learning is easier.
Foster practice instead of theory
Thanks to games and educational toys, teachers and students are spared. They are less tired, more motivated and more “human”. Lessons and exercises are easier to convey and complete. Students don't need to be in competition with others, just with themselves. They learn faster and easier, without harming their intelligence. Rather, they have a practical intelligence of their entire environment.
Yes, when you put practice before theory, the acquisition of theories seems more obvious. This is how educational games are more effective. In geography, for example, it is easier to remember the names of foreign countries by playing directly on the world map. We place ourselves more in reality and we forget rote lessons or long, uninteresting exercises.
Choose games and toys that are fun and educational at the same time
Teaching must choose the games carefully so that everything goes well. Kindergarten games are not the same for a class of 6e for example. Age is therefore a key factor as is class. You have to find the right materials and the right games.
Geography, maths and even science are easier with toys. The same goes for literature or history. In all cases, when the notion of distraction is there, exchanges are more fluid. We can also cite recreational outings to museums or practical sessions in chemistry. Yes, who doesn’t like these activities? And who doesn’t remember that? You need supports, crafts, practical work... Anything that can entertain and help in teaching through games is useful.
Prioritize contact and sharing
Thanks to educational and educational games:
- we avoid constraints such as exams as much as possible;
- we favor exchanges;
- we give time to each child and not to the majority;
- we create a place for exchanges, sharing and intellectual awakening;
- we talk and discuss in class…
Effectiveness is without truthful context. This is explained by the fact that the teacher is closer to his student. Students are often in groups. No one is left out and everyone must participate. This also to say that rules exist. They can replace the constraints linked to the discipline for example.