Skills Your Kids Learn from Retro Board Games

Chinese Checkers, Ludo, Chess, and Snakes & Ladders are some of the long-standing retro games that we are all familiar with. In the late 19th-century board games rose to popularity due to their simplicity with newer games such as monopoly and scrabble being introduced to the world. These games have now become family heirlooms. These board games will help keep your kids engaged and away from the screens.

What if you are told that retro board games help equip your kids with essential learning skills? According to a number of research, it’s proven that retro board games can improve kids’ learning abilities. Playing board games on a regular basis will keep your kids productive and help them learn new skills which will be instrumental in early development.

Here are a few skills that kids can improve through board games.

1. Math Skills, Numeracy and Vocabulary

Many board games involve simple math; Dealing with probabilities, calculating the likelihood of winning and counting -like movements (as in Ludo), or earnings (like in Monopoly). Games like scrabble encourage kids to build vocabulary and math skills by counting out tiles, scores and so on. Needless to say, math skills and vocabulary will come in handy for years to come.

2. Problem Solving Skills

Learning to solve problems is one of the most crucial skills in one’s life. Every child must learn how to solve problems, and retro games can help you get that done. A good example would be how one needs to think through the next moves, pay off debts or prevent crises in a game of monopoly. The skill of crisis management one learns through these games can help in the long run.

3. Critical Thinking.

It takes rapid methodical thinking to evaluate the next move of the opponent in games like Chess in order to plan the gameplay ahead. This will help your kids make important decisions in critical moments. The ability to analyze a situation will drastically improve by playing board games regularly.

4. Memory and Concentration

Learning the game’s rules, the function of each component in the game, and the implication of certain movements help improve a child’s memory. Concentration is increased by watching what the other players are doing and determining what to do next. Choosing the right game for kids will keep them involved for a longer period.

5. Interactive skills 

This is a great way for your child to develop relationships with you as well as with siblings and friends, as most board games are made to be played by adults and children together. One learns to be thoughtful when communicating with others while waiting for their turn, determining the next move, and helping each other with the game’s rules. All of these activities promote communication and interactive skills.

6. Fine Motor Skills and Hand-Eye Coordination

Retro board games have many small pieces to handle. Arranging tiles on a board in the proper order, shuffling decks of cards, and rolling dice will improve your child’s hand-eye coordination and motor skills. These tasks may seem insignificant but with how many times these movements are repeated, you will see your child learning these skills quicker and improving motor skills overall.

Sum-Up

Retro board games might feel outdated to some, but they provide various benefits which are crucial in this modern world. Instead of buying electronics for your kids, it’s way better to buy them these board games because the skills learned through this will help a kid throughout his/ her life.