Indirectly educational games.

Indirectly educational games.

Posted by Unknown

Most kids, students, people in general, don't like learning. This is probably because of schools and their techniques and I'm sure I could make 100 posts on how that's true but that's not what this post is about. Games are often underutilized as teaching techniques. Many games teach valuable skills but do not do so in a direct manner. For example, a direct learning game is flyswatter, jeopardy, or memory. An indirect learning game often teaches skills including problem solving or strategy. I think it is important to incorporate indirect games with direct games when teaching. These games seem less like learning exercises to students while still providing an education on skills that are not often taught in schools. 

This is a collection of what I believe to be important indirect learning games which I have in my house. 

Visual eyes is a game where players must decipher phases from a number of pictures. This game relies heavily on critical thinking skills and it requires people to think outside the box. This game can be hard to start because most people don't think visually but with a little time this game really builds up these skills. I included pictures of some examples of phrases so you can see what the game is like. Another good thing about this game is that as long as everyone can see the dice there are no strict player limits.

Dominoes is a classic game and it, along with its more modern counterpart triominos, can be a really good game with regards to strategy and number recognition. These games would be really valuable learning instruments for teachers of younger kids. This game is not really heavy on the learning but it is pretty fun, I admit to spending quite a few days playing triominos as a child. Plus these games provide a nice break from the constant repetitive memorization of math facts.

Quiddler is another game that I believe would be really important for young students. It focuses on making little words as well as some "big" ones. This game helps students recognize how letters combine to make words and to make this recognition quickly. 

Qbitz is easily the hardest game here. It like the last game Set focus on identifying patterns and making visual connections. Both of these games also create a more competitive spirit between players which could end really well or really badly. I personally really enjoy these games and I believe that using these, and all of the other games, as teaching tools students will become better thinkers, learners, and strategists.