Fun Games for Kids
and games as learning tools

The emphasis in fun games for kids should be on opportunities for open-ended learning oriented play.* This means the emphasis is on free thinking rather than right or wrong answers.

Tips for turning fun games for kids into learning tools

• Games are great teaching tools for young children since they improve their ability to wait, take turns, communicate and interact with other players.


• Games can help kids test out their thinking skills. In games of strategy, children make decisions that affect the outcome of the game and in turn this enhances their feelings of mastery of a new skill or concept.


• Games help develop eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills, particularly games that involve rolling a dice, picking up and moving small shapes like tokens, or pressing buttons.


• Games help children recognise shapes, colours, numbers and letters.


• Games help children practise reading, grouping and counting.


• Games help children learn about rules, such as waiting for a turn. This helps develop patience and restraint.
  If rules are not followed the game cannot be played, and the child soon learns they will probably be excluded from the game or the game will be stopped.


• Abiding by the rules encourages respect for the other players and helps develop a sense of fair play.


• Winning and losing are an important part of playing any game.


• Losing gracefully is a skill that can be learned. Children imitate the behaviour of those most important to them and most like them - so remember their little eyes and minds are watching you and particularly noting how you deal with winning or losing a game.


• In learning how to lose, choose a game that matches your child's abilities. If the rules or strategies are beyond their comprehension they'll find it difficult to figure out a how they can work towards a win.


• Consistently losing can be frustrating to a child. You can help break a losing cycle by suggesting a change of seats, partners or even games.


• After the game, allow your child time to unwind and calm down.

The Technology Age

Kids are growing up in the IT world. Computer games help them adapt to this world. There are some great onine games - see our free fun game kid online.

• These forms of games usually promote hand / eye coordination, reflexes and strategic thinking.


• Computer games usually don't promote conversation so be aware that children don't get to practice these skills.


• Researchers say that computer games require the least mental energy so are often preferred over other kinds of effortful activity and can become addictive, at least until a child is hooked on a new activity.*(page 227)

* Reference from 'Magic Trees of the Mind: How to nurture your child's intelligence, creativity, and healthy emotions from birth through adolescence' by Marian Diamond, Ph.D. and Janet Hopson, Dutton, 1998