Board Games

We’re sure you’ve noticed by now that we’re often describing play-based, or interest-driven, learning in this blog. Taking the time to observe and play with your kids can show you how they are constantly learning. Having a way to label or notice the specific aspects of learning within that play can not only be satisfying to you as an adult, but it can help you to highlight and amplify it for kids and solidify their learning. (This article talks about these opportunities for noticing, highlighting, and amplifying math learning, and references some great work by our colleagues too!)

Games can support social and emotional learning skills. Two of our colleagues recently wrote an article noting the benefits of games in developing and practicing problem-solving skills, perseverance, and growth mindset. Just remember that a game is still primarily a game, and don’t dwell on the learning over the fun.

Recently we broke out Monopoly in our house. I figured a longer game isn’t as impossible these days. There is adding and subtracting money, there is doubling rent for monopolies, there is strategy (and a lot of luck!), and there’s teamwork and collaboration in making deals and trades. And the fact that the game takes a while also means it requires planning ahead, sticking with it even when things aren’t going your way, considering changes to strategy when unexpected things happen, and so on. When you notice these areas of learning (and can maintain patience), letting the child be the banker, or not immediately telling them how much change they should receive, allows them to practice their mental calculations. Describing your thought process out loud about how you are deciding whether a deal is fair or not (Would I do it in reverse? How much is what I’m offering worth and how much is what they are offering worth? What will it mean for the game if I make this trade? If I make this trade, what leverage does it give me or the other person for a subsequent trade? What is more valuable to me right now in the game, money or property?) models these planning and problem-solving skills.



I came across this list of 20 board games by age that might remind you of some of your favorites that you haven’t considered playing in a while. Break it out, and remember, you’re learning, so just relax and have fun!

Since this week we’re focusing on collaborative learning, keep in mind games where players must work together to win, like Richard Scarry's Busytown or Peaceable Kingdom games like Hoot Owl Hoot or Seeds for the Birds or Cauldron Quest.

And stay tuned for using games as your launching pad for even more collaborative learning!