New findings complement existing studies that show such activities enhance concentration, memory, logical thinking, and language acquisition.
Board games aren’t just for fun – they can help children understand mathematics and improve their grades, according to a recent study by researchers in Chile.
Researchers at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile in Santiago have been studying the benefits of board games for young children. Previous scientific studies have shown that this type of activity enhances concentration, memory and logical thinking, as well as language acquisition.
But none has yet explored in detail the educational virtues of board games for learning mathematics.
Dr Jaime Balladares and colleagues summarised 19 international studies on the relationship between board games and maths, involving children aged between three and nine. On average, the children took part in two 20-minute board game sessions per week. The sessions were led by parents, teachers or therapists.
The results showed that a third of the children who took part in the play sessions performed better on tests of logical reasoning and mental arithmetic than those who did not. They were also more motivated than their peers to do maths exercises involving numeracy skills.
The board games considered by the scientists are those in which the player must move pawns on a board in order to alter the situation of the other players, or choose cards wisely to maintain an advantage. These include such classics as checkers and chess, as well as strategy games such as “Othello” or “Connect 4”.
“Monopoly” is also on the list, unlike games of chance and skill.
Contrary to what purists might think, strategy and reasoning video games can also strengthen young players’ math skills. But their contribution is less significant than that of traditional board games in children under six, note the authors of the study, published in the journal “Early Years.”
That’s why they advise teachers and education workers to make greater use of board games in math teaching. While this core school subject has a reputation for being difficult to understand and, therefore, to teach, others studies have shown that a playful, fun-based approach makes learning maths easier.
Another study even explains that the use of music can boost student motivation and reduce anxiety surrounding the subject.
