A study conducted in the U.K. found that primary school children improve their math scores and concentration levels by playing online educational games, according to an article released in the BBC last month. Thirty primary school children between the ages of nine and ten, played a game called “Dr. Kawashima’s More Brain Training” game every morning for about 15 minutes before their lessons started. The game consists of several mini-games including reading tests, number challenges, memory puzzles and problem-solving exercises. At the end of the study, the children were tested in math and the results compared to a control group. Children who had played the games increased their test scores by more points than those who did not play, even though the test scores for both groups increased.

So what does this mean? With educational games popping up by various manufacturers all over the world, a trend is emerging. Combining a child’s “play” time with education, seems to have positive results. Making learning fun-as in part of a game-increases a child’s desire to learn. The repetition of playing is more enjoyable than simply working math problems over and over and the concentration needed, as well as the child’s own competitive desire to beat the game, adds to the beneficial outcome.

So is it time to buy a computer for your kid? Possibly.

Setting up a computer desk and computer in your child’s room or play room may help. Give your child his/her own space with a computer desk at the proper height for comfort. We found fully customizable computer desks at excellent prices on Versatables’ website.  Read more... (546 words, estimated 2:11 mins reading time)

It may surprise you to hear that kids can be entertained by products other than high-tech, high-dollar video game systems, DVDs, and television. They don’t have to spend their game-playing time blasting aliens, swinging digital golf clubs, and blowing up buildings. Amazing as it may sound, kids really do enjoy traditional games like board games and card games. Card games are a great way for you to spend more time with your children and get them away from the television. In addition to being fun, card games can be educational.

One such fun, educational card game for children is CardWord. The CardWord deck consists of cards with letters on them instead of numbers. The object of the game is to spell words. It’s challenging and educational.

Another fun, thought-provoking card game for kids which you’ve probably played yourself is Concentration. This can be played with a conventional deck or you can purchase specially made decks which feature fun pictures, words, numbers, etc. The cards are laid out face-down and the object is to find the matching cards. This game, of course, develops concentration, and almost every kid loves it.

Some other old favorites are Old Maid or Go Fish. Probably the most loved of all card games for kids is War. Kids of all ages can learn the simple rules to this game which can keep them occupied for as long as any video game.  Read more... (471 words, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)

Toys and games that have been in our lives since long has evolved a great deal in recent years. Amongst these, board games have developed the most from the traditional dice board to magnetic chess board game etc. There are many different types of board games, that that have no inherent theme such as Checkers as well as more-complicated games with definite subjects, or even narratives, such as Cluedo.

Though known by different names, the ultimate goal of all board games today is to entertain and enhance the mental capacity at the same time.

One way to categorize board games is to distinguish those based primarily upon luck from those that involve significant strategy.

The deterministic board games are those like chess board game that rely only on the strategy element for their interest. Children’s games, on the other hand, tend to be very luck-based, with games such as Chutes and ladders etc, which involves no decisions to be made.

Kids all time favorites are scrabble, Chinese checker, twister, those involving dictionaries, battleship games among many others.

Most board games involve both luck and strategy. A player may be hampered by a few poor rolls of the dice in Risk board games or monopoly board games, but over many games a player with a superior strategy will win more often.

Few indoor board games like carom etc. involve strategy and are appropriate for growing children and young adults. They improve concentration and planning abilities.  Read more... (454 words, estimated 1:49 mins reading time)