If there is something that children know how to do well, it is play. For them, a simple I spy can be the best activity of all and do it for hours, so why not use the game to learn? This is what educational games achieve and in the following article we will tell you everything about them and give you 15 ideas so you can start implementing them at home.

What are educational games?

Didactic games are those that are used in order to encourage or stimulate some type of discovery learning in children. They are characterized by being recreational activities that combine entertainment with the development of cognitive, motor and/or social skills. Unlike traditional toys, educational games have a specific educational objective.

Characteristics of a didactic game

Didactic games are valuable tools for children's learning, as they combine fun with development. For a game to be considered educational, it must meet the following characteristics:

• Clear educational objective: The game must have a specific learning purpose, which may be focused on a particular area of knowledge, such as mathematics, language, social sciences or motor skills.
• Adaptation to age: The level of difficulty of the game must be according to the age and maturity of the child so that he or she can enjoy it and learn effectively.
• Playful element: Fun is essential to attract the child's attention and maintain their motivation during the game, so it must be entertaining and dynamic.
• Safety: The materials used in making the game must be safe and non-toxic.
• Versatility: The symbolic game must be able to be used in different contexts, such as at home, at school or in play spaces, to facilitate its access and use.
• Quality: Educational games must be made with good quality materials that withstand frequent use and guarantee their durability.
• Interaction: Interaction between children should be encouraged, whether individually or in groups, to promote the development of social and teamwork skills.
• Self-learning: The child must be allowed to learn autonomously through exploration, trial and error, and problem solving.
• Feedback: Beyond the results of the game, you must provide feedback on your performance, whether positive or negative, so that you can identify your progress and areas of improvement.
• Stimulation of creativity: The game must stimulate the child's creativity through activities that allow them to express themselves freely, imagine and create novel solutions.
• Guaranteed fun: The game must be, above all, a fun and entertaining activity for the child, since meaningful learning occurs in an environment of enjoyment and motivation.

Benefits of educational games

Didactic games are the best ways to teach, not only because of their wide variety of possibilities and because they ensure a lot of time, but because they also provide benefits such as:

• They promote learning: Didactic word games provide a playful and attractive context for learning, allowing children to acquire new knowledge and skills in a natural and fun way.
• They develop cognitive skills: They stimulate the development of fundamental cognitive skills such as memory, attention, concentration, logical thinking, creativity and problem solving.
• They improve motor skills: They encourage the development of fine and gross motor skills, which promotes coordination, manual dexterity and body control.
• They develop social skills: They teach children to cooperate, share, take turns, communicate effectively and resolve conflicts peacefully.
• They reinforce self-esteem: They help children feel confident in themselves and their abilities, increasing their self-esteem and motivation for learning.
• They stimulate imagination and creativity: They promote creative thinking and imagination, by allowing you to explore different possibilities and develop novel solutions.
• They promote the acquisition of values: They can transmit important values such as honesty, responsibility, respect and tolerance.
• They develop language: They stimulate the development of oral and written language, expanding vocabulary and improving oral and written expression.
• They teach about the world around them: They can be used to teach everything from science and history to culture and sports.
• They provide moments of leisure and fun: Most importantly, they offer children a healthy and entertaining alternative to occupy their free time, reducing screen time and promoting healthy leisure habits.

15 best educational games for children

Choosing the best educational games for children often seems like a difficult task, since there are a wide variety of options available on the market. However, if we consider the child's age, interests and needs when selecting games, we can guarantee a fun and effective learning experience. To help you, we leave you a list of 15 educational game ideas which stand out for their educational characteristics and their potential to stimulate the development of different skills:

Puzzles

The puzzles, with large and colorful pieces, help improve hand-eye coordination, spatial perception and concentration, and also reinforce the recognition of shapes and colors.

Memory games

Ideal for improving memory and concentration, these games consist of matching cards with the same images, stimulating visual acuity and attention.

Activity Cube

An activity cube includes multiple games in one, such as mazes, abacuses, and gears. It's perfect for fine motor skill development and sensory panel with exploration.

Colored dominoes

A version of traditional dominoes, where colors are matched instead of numbers. This game improves color recognition and matching and sequencing skills.

Board games for children

Games like “Snakes and Ladders” or “Candy Land” teach children to follow rules, take turns and develop strategies. They are perfect for improving social and emotional skills.

Geometric figure puzzle

These puzzles help children recognize and differentiate geometric shapes such as circles, squares and triangles, developing their visual perception and classification skills.

Science games

Simple experiment kits that allow children to explore basic science concepts such as chemistry and physics, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.

Magnetic letters

Perfect for learning the alphabet and forming simple words, magnetic letters can be used on whiteboards or the refrigerator, making language learning something that can be done perfectly at any time at home.

Toys or role-playing games

Costumes and play sets such as kitchens or doctor's kits allow children to explore different roles, developing social skills, empathy and imagination.

Tangram

This ancient Chinese puzzle is made up of seven pieces that can be combined to form different figures. Helps develop problem-solving and shape recognition skills.

Interactive books

Books with buttons, sounds and textures that stimulate the senses and make reading a more dynamic and immersive experience. They encourage a love of reading from an early age.

Educational applications

In the digital age, educational applications are a powerful tool. Math, reading and science apps combine technology and learning, offering an interactive and personalized educational experience.

Musical instruments for children

Small pianos, xylophones or drums allow children to explore sounds and rhythms, promoting creativity and the development of listening skills and coordination.

Sorting and matching games

Games that involve sorting objects by color, shape or size, or matching similar items, are great for developing cognitive and visual recognition skills in children.

Trivia race

If the day allows it, in the yard of your house place a line or a circuit and several stops, at each stop your child will have to answer a question, if they get it right they will advance. At the end of the race you can give him a prize.

Tips for playing educational games with children at home

So that you can make the most of educational games with your children at home, we leave you these tips:

Choose games appropriate to the child's age and interests

It is essential to select games that are appropriate for the child's developmental level, as games that are too easy can be boring and games that are too difficult can frustrate the child. It is also important to consider the interests of the child to choose games that are really attractive and motivating for him.

Create a pleasant and safe environment

The space where they will play should be comfortable, safe and free of distractions, make sure the child has enough space to move and play safely.

Actively participate in the game

As a parent or caregiver you must actively participate in the game, not just as an observer. This will make the child feel accompanied and supported, and will also give you the opportunity to interact with them and reinforce their learning.

Adapt the rules of the game

If necessary, you can always adapt the rules of the game to make them easier or more difficult, depending on your little one's abilities. But remember that the important thing is that the child has fun and learns.

Use different materials

Different materials can be used to make educational games more fun and attractive. For example, you could use recycled materials, fabrics, paints, etc. You don't have to be buying games, you can always put together new improvised ideas.

Be patient and understanding

It is important to be patient and understanding with your child, especially if it is the first time they are playing a new game. Your child may need time to learn the rules and how to play.

Turn play into a routine

Try to make gaming a routine, for example by playing for a while every day after school or before bed. This will help the child develop the habit of learning and playing regularly.

Have fun with the child

The most important thing is that everyone has fun during the game, learning should be a positive and pleasant experience for the child. Do not force him when he is tired or emotionally bad, nor punish him if he does not always manage to do things well, remember that no one is born knowing.

At Kiddus we have always known that each child learns differently and that it is crucial to adapt our educational tools and ABA methods to their abilities, which is why we have dedicated ourselves to creating accessories with them in mind. We firmly believe in the power of play as an educational tool and our mission is to help children discover and explore the world with confidence and creativity. Therefore, in addition to offering children designer sunglasses kids and more products, we also offer articles of interest that will help you raise your child.

Conclusion

In conclusion, educational games not only provide fun, but also play a crucial role in the development of the little ones in the house. If we choose games that adapt to their interests and needs, we will surely be able to encourage their creativity and the development of essential skills for their future.