Board games are a great way to develop visual, perceptual and cognitive skills. They also help improve dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Kids can also learn to plan and strategize, which will benefit them in all areas of life. For example, they may need to figure out how to beat their opponents in a board game like Pandemic, which challenges them to work together as a team of scientists to stop four different diseases from spreading worldwide.
Playing board games can strengthen your brain and reduce your risk for mental health issues, like dementia and Alzheimer’s. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, both regions of the brain involved in complex thought and memory formation, are stimulated when playing board games. The positive feelings and thoughts associated with playing board games can also help boost the immune system.
Educators can use educational board games to help students learn in a fun and interactive way. They can use them to introduce new concepts and reinforce old ones in a hands-on way that appeals to most children. Using board games to teach can help kids make connections more easily and understand them better.
Educational board games also provide an opportunity for kids to unplug from their electronic devices and socialize with peers. They can learn how to take turns and practice patience while learning a game. They can even practice good sportsmanship, which is important in all aspects of life. If they lose a game, they can learn to accept defeat with dignity and try again.