Play games with school-aged kids to help them release energy after a long day of sitting and studying. Games are also a great way to keep the kids occupied during a long bus ride to a field trip or at a school party. You can play more elaborate games with school-aged children than you can with younger ones. Some games may even keep you entertained.
Types
School kids enjoy playing individual puzzle games as well as working with other children to solve puzzles. They may enjoy playing memory or guessing games or working to unscramble words or complete simple word searches or crosswords. Some school children enjoy active games, such as tag or hide and seek. You can send older kids out on a scavenger hunt. Hide items around a safe public area, such as a park, and provide clues to help the children find the items.
Skill Building
Games help school kids refine and develop the skills they are learning in class, all while having a good time. Memory games, such as Concentration or Observation, sharpen kids’ recall skills. Word games help them build vocabulary and improve their spelling. Children also learn how to interact with others and socialize properly by playing games with a large group. Games can also teach children how to have a friendly, competitive spirit and that winning isn’t everything.
Size
While you can play some games at home with just your child, some require a large group of children to work really well. A school picnic or party may be a great time to volunteer to teach kids simple tag games, such as Blob Tag or Freeze Tag. If you find yourself stuck inside on a rainy day with your child, use the time to play creative, fun games on your own. Making up games is a great way to bond with your kid.
No Supervision Necessary
While it may be fun to play games with your kids, you should also give them time to play on their own. Card games and board games will keep your child and her friends entertained for a time so that you can take care of things you need to do around the house or any errands you need to run. Letting kids learn a board game on their own is a great way to teach them to follow instructions and to work out any problems themselves.
Considerations
Some video games may also be appropriate for school kids to play on their own or with friends. Some video games, including puzzle games such as Tetris, are great for developing problem-solving skills and improving brain function, according to “Time Magazine.” Keep an eye on the video games your child plays, though. Avoid violent games and games with adult themes. As with all games, don’t let video games interfere with his school work or other activities.
Photo Credit
- games image by Patrizier-Design from Fotolia.com
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