Recent research spanning over 23 years suggests that board games based on numbers, such as Monopoly, Othello, and Chutes and Ladders, can enhance mathematical abilities in young children. This comprehensive review reveals that these number-based board games improve counting, addition, and the ability to compare numbers. The study, published in the journal Early Years, emphasizes the potential of board games as an educational strategy for developing mathematical skills in children aged 3 to 9. Supervised board game sessions led by teachers or trained adults were found to be particularly beneficial.
Board games have long been recognized for their ability to enhance various aspects of learning and development, including reading and literacy. However, this study focuses specifically on the positive impact of number-based board games on mathematical skills. The researchers advocate for the integration of board games with learning objectives related to math or other domains, as they offer a structured and engaging format for educational activities.
Unlike games that require specific skills or involve gambling, board games typically involve turn-based movement of pieces on a fixed board. This fixed set of rules limits player activities and contributes to a more focused learning environment. Despite their potential benefits, board games are rarely utilized in preschool settings. The study highlights the need to explore the use of board games in educational settings and assess their efficacy in promoting learning and development.
The researchers conducted a review of 19 studies published from 2000 onwards, involving children aged 3 to 9. These studies investigated the effects of physical board games on mathematical skills, with the majority focusing on number-based games. In these studies, children participated in board game sessions supervised by adults, with sessions occurring twice a week on average for one-and-a-half months. The researchers assessed the children’s math performance before and after the intervention sessions, which aimed to improve counting and other basic math skills.
The findings revealed that math skills significantly improved after the board game sessions, with more than half of the analyzed tasks showing positive effects. In some cases, children in the intervention groups performed better than those who did not partake in the board game intervention. However, the impact of board games on language and literacy areas has not been adequately evaluated in scientific studies, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
Dr. Jaime Balladares, the lead author of the study, emphasizes the importance of designing and implementing board games along with scientific procedures to evaluate their efficacy. The complexity of games and the need for more educational games warrant further exploration in the coming years. Dr. Balladares states, “Future studies should be designed to explore the effects that these games could have on other cognitive and developmental skills. An interesting space for the development of intervention and assessment of board games should open up in the next few years, given the complexity of games and the need to design more and better games for educational purposes.”
More information:
The effects of board games on math skills in children attending prekindergarten and kindergarten: A systematic review, Early Years, DOI: 10.1080/09575146.2023.2218598 , www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/1 … 9575146.2023.2218598
Citation:
Board games boost math ability in young children, study finds (2023, July 7)
retrieved 7 July 2023
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
