Education as related to board games?

Question

I'v noticed more and more board games have become computerized and based around the television. I understand that we're still playing games with our children, and that's good. Are we allowing our children to miss out on the learning while playing modern board games. Something as simple as counting the money in life and monopoly, now you get a "debit" card. The act of surrendering money, that a child can't always have their own way. The act of picking up all of the money, cards, etc and putting them away in the correct spaces (mind you I haven't seen these new game) is just another skill. Then I just saw Pictionary Jr. has a game where you watch animators draw the scenes. I always viewed this game as a reading activity, an eye hand coordination activity. Again, I haven't played the game.  Do you think that all these newfangled games are taking away a learning experience that as 25+'s have all experienced.  I'm guilty of buying some of video games, etc. what is your opinion?

briteyes · Accepted Answer

I see where you're coming from, but I can't agree that "modern games" are ruining the next generation.  First off, there are a ridiculous number of board games out there, very few of which have "upgraded" the way you've described.  Most of the "Euro-style" board games are highly educational, either through historic theme elements or multi-faceted strategies.  For example: "Ticket to Ride" can be used to teach geography, and "Puerto Rico" is based on city-building.  Check out the Board Game Geek website; you will be amazed at the selection of games out there.

Also, I don't think computerized board games are all "bad," either.  I've read about the new Monopoly, and I think it has its own valuable lessons.  In today's world, children will need to learn how to use ATMs and debit cards, *understand* that the money comes from somewhere, and that it is not unlimited (I swear, I know a few adults who need to be reminded about this...).

In addition, I feel that sometimes, streamlining some of the components makes it more accessible to a child that is very young, or not quite able to grasp some of the more complex components.  To give you another example: we have a good friend who has started his almost-five-year-old on something called "No Stress Chess," where you draw a card to tell you which piece to move.  This way, the boy can concentrate on learning how the pieces move, and can pick up strategy later once his cognitive abilities have developed to that point (which probably won't be long--he's already beating his father).

In the end, I think that if you make the effort to sit down and play games with your children--even if it involves watching the Pictionary drawings on TV--they will still get *something* out of it: interaction, social skills, and a sense of family bonding.

billie g · Answer

Certainly it is advised that children be exposed to activities that build basic organizational skills, counting bills, and so on.  But let us not for get to prepare them for a technologically advanced future as well.  Being able to manipulate electronics and computerized ..everythings...is vital to today's youth.  My guess is that you have failed to see the change of our nation as inevitable and the importance of balancing those basic skills with new technology.  The top ten jobs for the next decade have not been invented yet.

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Education as related to board games?

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