Parents and educators alike may find it puzzling why a child can spend hours playing Minecraft but struggle to use an app that covers multiplication facts with the same focus. What does it mean when children describe some games as more “fun” than others? Further, are there any guidelines that can help parents and educators select video games that engage kids of all ages in learning?
Recently, researchers at Harvard GSE made some specific suggestions:
- A good game puts the learning first and doesn’t rely on bells and whistles to motivate kids to engage with its content.
- Leave room for kids to explore and solve problems independently, as figuring out the rules is half the fun. The teacher or caregiver shouldn’t feel they must have all the answers.
- Encourage conversation and reflection to connect the game with the real world.
ACHIEVEMENT HEIGHTS ACADEMY is a private online K12 STEAM school where we have highly qualified live instructors for all classes. We partner with parents and actively help students develop skills that support a well-rounded education. Moreover, we teach core content and an array of electives such as Piano, Violin, Guitar, Coding and Robotics and Graphic Arts.
Source: Boudreau, E. (June 29, 2021). Find fun: How to recognize video games that engage kids of all ages in learning. Harvard Graduate School of Education: Usable Knowledge.
