How Board Games Teach Children Basic Skills

Several things come to mind when considering board games, including family time and even friendly competition. There is much more to board games than this, such as the ability to teach your children basic skills. This can be done while distracting them from television or video games that require little mental effort on their part. 

Coordination

The pieces the child has to move in a typical board game help them to become better coordinated. They must place each piece in a specific location and move it in a certain direction to reach the end of the game.

Reading

While hand-eye coordination is learned, they gain the ability to follow directions. These directions require them to develop the ability to read while learning to play the game. Most board games come with cards that have to be read while playing the game. 

Comprehension

The children who are just starting to read are helped along by those tiny cards. The instructions are simple and easy to read, which helps them to progress with their reading skills. While it may take some time, you will slowly see improvement in not only reading but also comprehending what they have read.

Number Counting

Counting is taught in a variety of ways with board games. The pieces usually have to be moved a certain number of spaces, depending on the numbers that appear on the dice. First, the child must add up the numbers on the dice to determine how far to move. 

Counting Money

Then they have to count the spaces on the board as they move their piece. There are also games that have pretend money; they must pay out fees and have the option to buy things, which helps them learn about money. They must also count the money they are using.

Patience

Taking turns is a basic skill that children learn with board games. They must sit there while everyone else plays before it is their turn. They are learning patience here as well. Children are learning about the order of things as they take turns, too.

Thinking Skills

Board games help to keep your children thinking. Thinking is a good thing; they will have to make decisions from time to time during the course of the game. Some games require children to deduce facts. The clues are laid out, and the situations must be examined to arrive at the correct conclusion.

Identifying Objects

Identifying objects is also learned through board games. Often, the tokens are each of a different item; there are dice and cards with instructions. With each of these, the child will learn to identify with each new game that is played. With a little time and patience, board games can teach children dozens of skills while distracting them from the television set and giving you quality time together.

For Older Children

Risk 1980’s Edition

Risk is the ultimate showdown of global conquest and cunning strategy, where players take on the role of military masterminds commanding their own armies across a world map. What is the objective of the game Risk? It is to crush your teammates under the weight of your dice rolls while taking as many territories as possible. Whether you’re wiping out opponents or sneaking through with a top-secret mission (who doesn’t love a little espionage?), your aim is to capture everything you can on the board. As you gain control of the different lands and continents on the board, you’ll wind up with reinforcements to bolster your forces, allowing you to either strategically launch assaults or hunker down like a fortress. Winning Moves Games’ 1980s Edition of Risk is a nostalgic tribute to the original board game from the 1980s. Instead of buying an old board with possible missing pieces from an antique store, you can have your kids play on the same familiar board as you did in the 80s… but brand new (and with all the pieces). So gear up, strategize, and may the odds be ever in your favor — unless you’re up against me!

Chinese Checkers

Chinese Checkers is a brain teaser that’s perfect for a duo or a crowd of up to six! It can be easy as pie to just “play,” but mastery takes a bit of dedication and finesse. What’s the secret? Always keep an eye on your next move… or even a few moves ahead; strategy is the name of the game! The race is on, and the first player to hop all their marbles into the triangle on the opposite side claims victory. With its glass marbles and a sturdy game board that can handle all the excitement, this Chinese Checkers set is sure to be a fabulous gem in your gaming treasure chest!

Scattergories Categories

In Scattergories Categories, players are given various topics, such as “Vegetables” or “States,” and they must come up with distinct answers for each within a set time frame. The twist is that all their answers must begin with a letter that’s determined by rolling a die. You earn points for each answer that’s one-of-a-kind to your list, but if someone else has the same answer, it gets crossed off. It’s a fun race against the clock to think creatively and outsmart your friends!

Clue Master Detective

Clue Master Detective is a timeless board game that invites players to unravel a thrilling murder mystery with friends. In this game, you’ll be on the hunt for three key elements: who committed the crime, what weapon was used, and where it all took place in the mansion. As you navigate the board, you’ll have the chance to ask other players for “suggestions” to collect clues and piece together the puzzle. By using your powers of deduction and process of elimination, you’ll figure out which cards are tucked away in the secret case file. If you make the right accusation, you’ll emerge victorious!

Deluxe Pente 

Deluxe Pente is a modern twist on the classic abstract strategy game, perfect for 2 to 4 players. Your mission? Be the first to line up five of your stones in a row — whether that’s horizontally, vertically, or diagonally — or to snag five pairs of your opponent’s stones. The “Deluxe” edition takes it up a notch with a convenient roll-up game board, colorful glass stones for each player, and stylish cloth drawstring bags for easy storage. This game has its roots in the 1970s and draws inspiration from traditional Asian games.

Checkers

Checkers is both fun and engaging for two players. It revolves around strategy and skill. You and your opponent take turns moving your pieces diagonally across the checkered board, with the goal of capturing all of your rival’s pieces by crossing over them. Your pieces generally advance forward, but once the game piece reaches the back row of your opponent’s side, it gets crowned as a king. Once a piece gets to “king status”, it allows it to move both backward and forward. This often traps the opponent. The ultimate goal is to be the last one standing with pieces left on the board!

Big Boggle

Big Boggle is a fun word game that features a 5×5 grid filled with 25 letter cubes, accompanied by a 3-minute timer and a traditional sand timer. Similar to the original Boggle, players create words by linking adjacent letters in the grid. However, Big Boggle adds an exciting twist with the inclusion of a Double Letter cube, making it easier to come up with longer words. The player who discovers the most unique words and scores the highest takes home the victory!

For the Littles

No Stress Chess

No Stress Chess is designed to help people learn and engage with the game of chess in a more approachable and easier-to-understand way. It includes illustrated action cards that help players know their next move, which reduces the intimidation factor for newcomers. The game features a double-sided board, displaying a typical chess configuration on one side and a setup guide on the other. Players can progress through three levels. Each level increases in difficulty, starting with randomly selected cards and gradually incorporating strategic elements by allowing players to manage their own set of cards before transitioning to a game of traditional chess.

Chutes and Ladders

Chutes and Ladders is a board game designed for kids but also an opportunity to connect with your child. Players navigate their pieces across a 100-square grid with the goal of being the first to reach the end. Players take turns spinning a spinner to decide how many squares to advance. If they land on the base of a ladder, they can move up to a higher square, but if they land on the top of a chute, they must slide down to a lower square. This game, which originated in ancient India under the name Snakes and Ladders, teaches children valuable lessons about the rewards of good actions (represented by ladders) and the consequences of poor choices (represented by chutes).

Trouble

“Trouble” is a timeless board game designed for children, allowing 2 to 4 players to race to be the first to get all four of their colored pegs into the “Finish” area. Players utilize a unique “Pop-O-Matic” bubble that serves as a die roller to advance their pegs on the board. The objective includes sending opponents’ pegs back to their starting position by landing on them. This game draws inspiration from classic racing board games and highlights the element of chance through the rolling of dice.

Aggravation

Aggravation is a traditional board game popular in the United States, where players compete to move their four marbles along a star-patterned track, aiming to be the first to get all their marbles to their home base. This game shares similarities with both the game of Pachisi and Sorry. Players take turns rolling a die to move spaces, and a crucial aspect of the game involves landing on an opponent’s marble, which sends it back to its original position. While players are encouraged to take shortcut routes that are around the board, these pathways come with their own set of dangers.

Payday

Payday is a game where players experience the challenges of monthly financial management, aiming to have the highest amount of money at the end of the game. Players navigate a board that kind of mimics a calendar. Throughout the game, they will encounter all different types of expenses, have opportunities to buy and sell, and also (just like in real life) have unpredictable events triggered by mail and deal cards. Each month culminates in having a “Pay Day,” where players receive a salary, settle their bills, and have the option to either add to or take from their savings, ultimately striving to end the game with the greatest total of cash and savings.

Conclusion

Board games have so many benefits that exceed the benefit of togetherness. Bonding over board games is definitely far more beneficial than any educational reason, but pairing it with an educational reason makes it so much more worthwhile as a family, to play board games, starting with even the youngest of children. Above were just a handful of our favorite board games, but there are many more, including games like Monopoly and even Settlers of Catan. Try out multiple games to give your children a more well-rounded ability. Tell us in the comments what your favorite board game was as a child or even WITH your child!

Frequently Asked Questions About How Board Games Teach Children Basic Skills

1. How do board games help improve children’s coordination?

Board games require children to move pieces carefully and place them in specific spots, which enhances their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

2. Can board games help children learn to read?

Yes, many board games include cards or instructions that children need to read, which supports their reading development and comprehension skills.

3. How do board games teach counting and number skills?

Board games often involve counting spaces on the board or adding numbers on dice, helping children practice basic math and number recognition.

4. Do board games teach children about money management?

Some games include pretend money, where children learn to count money, pay fees, and make purchases, introducing them to basic financial concepts.

5. How do board games encourage patience and turn-taking?

Playing board games requires children to wait for their turn, teaching them patience and the importance of following a sequence.

6. Can board games improve children’s thinking and problem-solving skills?

Absolutely. Many games involve strategic thinking, decision-making, and deduction, which help develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

7. Are board games suitable for children of all ages?

Yes, there are board games designed for various age groups, from toddlers to older children, each targeting skills appropriate for their developmental stage.

8. How can board games help children identify objects?

Board game pieces, cards, and boards often feature different objects and symbols, helping children recognize and learn new items.

9. What are some recommended board games for teaching basic skills?

Games like Risk, Chinese Checkers, Scattergories, Clue, and Checkers are great for older children, while games like No Stress Chess, Chutes and Ladders, and Trouble are suitable for younger kids.

10. How do board games benefit family bonding?

Beyond educational benefits, board games provide quality family time, fostering communication, cooperation, and fun among family members.