Eğitici Oyunlar
Kody Coste
Educational Games: How Do They Help Children Learn?
The game is a natural need of children. Children discover the world by playing games, learn new things, develop their skills, use their imagination, have fun and be happy. The game also plays an important role in the education of children. Educational games in particular contribute to both mental and social development of children.
What are educational games? What types are there? How do they help children learn? How to choose and use educational games? You can find the answers to these questions in this article.
What are educational games?
Description and features of educational games
Educational games are challenging and fun activities designed for a specific learning goal. Educational games, purpose of giving children knowledge, skills or attitudes
Types and examples of educational games
Educational games can be divided into different categories. Some of these are:
- Language and reading games: These games aim to improve children's language skills, reading habit, vocabulary and understanding ability. For example, letter cards, word puzzles, storytelling games, audiobooks can be counted.
- Mathematics and logic games: These games help children learn mathematical concepts, numbers, shapes, measures, sorting, classification, problem solving and logical thinking. For example, counting games, collecting-removing games, tangram, sudoku, labyrinth games can be counted.
- Fen and nature games: These games enable children to conduct science, natural sciences, technology and engineering issues, experiments, observations and research. For example, science sets, microscopes, telescopes, plant breeding games, zoo games can be counted.
- Sports and movement games: These games support children's physical development, healthy living habits, sports skills and teamwork spirit. For example, cycling, rope jumping, football, basketball, swimming games can be counted.
How do educational games help children learn?
Benefits of educational games
Educational games contribute to children's learning in many ways. Here are some benefits of educational games:
Increases motivation
Play is a natural source of motivation for children. Children are curious while playing, want to learn, strive to achieve goals, find success satisfactory. Educational games increase children's interests and desires for learning, and make the learning process enjoyable and meaningful.
Improves Freedom
Educational games help children get to know themselves, realize their abilities, and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Educational games give children confidence that they can achieve their learning goals, solve problems, and succeed. Educational games improve children's self-confidence and self-esteem.
Increases attention and concentration
Educational games are activities that require children's attention and concentration. Educational games enable children to follow the rules, goals, strategies of the game, focus on the challenges they face during the game, and be patient to complete the game. Educational games raise children's attention and concentration skills.
Strengthens mental skills
Educational games give children the opportunity to develop their mental skills. Educational games require children to use skills such as memory, logic, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, creativity. Educational games strengthen children's mental skills.
Educational games contribute to children's learning social skills. Educational games teach children to communicate, collaborate, share, help, compete, follow the rules, respect and take responsibility. Educational games help children acquire social skills.
Challenges and solutions of educational games
Educational games provide many benefits to children's learning, but they also have some difficulties. To overcome these difficulties, educational games must have the following features:
Game compatibility with learning objectives
Educational games should be related to what children want to learn or need to learn. The content of the game should be in line with the age, level, interests and needs of children. The purpose of the game should ensure that children achieve their learning goals.
Game's proper level and difficulty
Educational games should be adjusted according to children's current knowledge and skills. If the game is very easy, children can get bored and lose their learning motivation. If the game is too difficult, children may feel inadequate and lose their learning confidence. The game must be at a level and difficulty that children will have difficulty but can achieve.
The game is fun and interesting
Educational games should be designed in a way that children will enjoy playing and wonder. The visual, auditory and tactile elements of the game should attract and retain children's attention. The story of the game, its characters, spaces and atmosphere should mobilize children's imaginations and enable them to connect emotionally.
Game feedback and reward
How to choose and use educational games?
Criteria to be considered when choosing a educational game
Educational games are valuable tools that contribute to children's learning. However, not every game is educational. When choosing an educational game, it is necessary to pay attention to the following criteria:
- Child's age, interests and needs: Educational play must comply with the child's level of development, tastes and learning needs. A game that does not suit the age of the child or is not interested in it may adversely affect the learning process.
- Game's pedagogical approval and safety: The educational game must have been pedagogically designed and tested to enable the child to achieve learning goals. The content of the game should be such that it does not harm the child's mental, emotional and physical health. The quality and safety of the game must be documented by the manufacturer, publisher or dealer of the game.
- Technically smooth operation and easy accessibility of the game: The educational game must be compatible with the device used by the child and operate technically without disruption. The game should be easy to load, open, save and close. The interface of the game should be such that the child can easily understand and use it. If the game requires an internet connection, this link should be quick and uninterrupted.
Points to consider when using a training game
Educational games are valuable tools that support children's learning. However, it is also necessary to pay attention to some points when using educational games. Here are the points to be considered when using educational games:
- Supporting and directing the child during the game: Educational games may allow children to learn on their own, while also requiring them to receive support from adults. The bulls that children encounter during the game should share with adults, the points they do not understand or wonder, and seek or receive help from them. Adults should also support, direct, encourage and advise children during the game.
- Child evaluation and appreciation after play: Educational games allow children to continue learning after the game. Children should discuss and evaluate the game they play after the game, what they learn, their experience, the emotions they feel, with adults. Adults should also evaluate children's performance after the game, celebrate their success, help them overcome their shortcomings and appreciate them.
Result
Educational games are effective and fun tools that contribute to children's learning. Educational games improve children's motivation, self-confidence, attention, concentration, mental skills and social skills. Educational games fall into several categories and cover different topics. There are criteria and points to be considered when choosing and using educational games. Educational games allow children to have fun and learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are educational games played only on a computer or tablet? No, educational games can be played not only in digital media, but also with materials such as paper-pen, cardboard, wood, plastic. The important thing is that the game is educational.
- Are educational games played only individually? No, educational games can be played both individually and in groups. The important thing is to follow the rules and goals of the game.
- Are educational games played only at home or at school? No, educational games can be played anywhere. The important thing is that the game is played in a safe and comfortable environment.
- Are educational games only specially designed games? No, educational games are not just specially designed games. It is possible to add an educational purpose to any game. The important thing is to add learning goals to the game.