One of the most important benefits is the interaction and bonding playing games brings to families. Board games are a great way for family members to relax and challenge their minds. Playing board games also help children learn to think logically. While playing and having fun, children also practice such skills as counting, reading, visual perception, eye-hand coordination and dexterity. They learn about healthy competition, verbal communication and to focus their attention. The different skills people practice while playing board games are as numerous as the different types of board games available.
One of the most researched board games is chess. There have been numerous studies touting the academic benefits of chess playing. Studies have found that playing chess increases reading performance, math ability and IQ.
The 1979-1983 "Learning to Think Project," a Venezuelan study, concludes "Chess develops a new form of thinking, and this exercise is what contributes to increase the intelligence quotient." Recent researchers speculate that the success of chess is due to the growth of new brain connections.
Studies have found game playing is beneficial regardless of sex, socioeconomic class, or age. In fact, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine (June 19, 2003) found that playing board games reduces the risk of Alzheimer's in seniors.
The choices are numerous when shopping for board games.
Classic Games Provide Many Benefits
Scrabble – One of the best and most loved word games available, Scrabble helps improve language skills.
Chess– Studies show chess improves logical thinking, reading skills, math skills and even IQ.
Monopoly– Another all time favorite, Monopoly helps develop math, reading, reasoning and social skills.
Chutes and Ladders – This simple game for the youngest children helps children learn counting. It is also a good exercise in how to handle disappointment.
Jenga – This a great game for families who need stress relief and a good laugh as players attempt to remove wood blocks without toppling the Jenga tower. It also improves coordination and manual dexterity.
New Board Games Teach Skills
Once Upon A Time – Players create a story together using cards that show typical elements from fairy tales. The Storyteller creates a story using the ingredients on her cards, guiding the plot toward her own ending. The other players use their cards to interrupt her and to become the new Storyteller. The winner is the first player to play out all of her cards, ending with the "Happy Ever After" card.
If Wishes Were Fishes – Voted Best Family Board Game by Games Magazine. In this game from Rio Grande Games, players are fishermen, trying to catch the most valuable fish and sell them in the market for the best prices. The game requires thinking and planning.
Oodles of Doodles – This game promotes deductive reasoning, problem solving, and manipulative development. It’s also lots of fun. Players race against time to sketch out eight items that fit within a specific category in a fast-paced family game. It is for ages 10 and up.
Equate – This is the math version of Scrabble. Players use tiles to form vertical or horizontal math equations. There is also a junior tile set for ages 6 and up and an Advanced Tile Set for children 11 and up. It is a Parent’s Choice Award winner.
Qwirkle – This colorful game by Mindware is another award winner, including the Mensa Select Award. It is as simple as matching colors and shapes but the game also requires tactical maneuvers and well planned strategy. For ages 6 and up.
The variety of board games available is vast. There are board games that can help improve reading and math; there are board games that match players' particular interests or hobbies; and there are board games that are simply old-fashioned family fun. And, buying board games does not have to break the budget. At garage sales, board games can usually be found for $1 or less. Some local libraries even loan board games. So there's no reason for families to delay taking advantage of the many benefits board games offer.
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