Making the Most of Playtime

There are countless games to explore—far too many to list here—but I will highlight a few to get you started. The key is to keep an open mind: nearly every game offers some teachable moments.

Note: I use the term “indoor games” to distinguish them from sports, which I won’t be discussing here. However, most of these games can be played just about anywhere. In fact, many card and board games are also available in digital formats, making them even more accessible.

Choose games your children will genuinely enjoy, and then look for opportunities to incorporate learning organically—without compromising the fun. There’s no need for drills (unless, of course, your child enjoys them).

Naturally, not all games are equal in terms of intellectual challenge. Let your child’s age and current skill level guide your choices. Start simple, and gradually introduce more complex games as they grow. And remember—sometimes we all enjoy a less demanding game, even if we are capable of more.

The Social Side of Games

Games are about much more than winning or losing—they teach critical social skills. Children learn to lose graciously, but just as importantly, to win graciously. Use game time as a chance to reinforce that a game's outcome isn’t a judgment of personal worth. The real value lies in connection, joy, and a bit of learning along the way. Once children internalize this idea through play, they may begin to see academic performance in a healthier light. Ironically, removing the pressure often leads to better results.

Patience, turn-taking, cooperation—these are powerful lessons built into every game. And don’t forget to let your children teach you. Teaching others is one of the most effective ways to deepen understanding and boost engagement. Plus, you might just become the “cool” parent who knows the shortcuts, Easter eggs, and winning strategies.

Time spent together talking, laughing, and sharing stories—whether game-related or not—is time well spent, fostering emotional and cognitive development.

Games That Build Math Skills

Games offer a fun and practical way to reinforce math concepts like counting, patterns, logic, and strategic thinking.

Great examples include:

• Card games: Cribbage, Go Fish, Crazy Eights, Euchre, Uno
• Board games: Monopoly, Snakes & Ladders, Chess, Checkers, Scrabble, Equate, Trains, Bingo

Online options to explore:

Math Games PBS KIDS

Cool Math Games

Games That Support Reading

Reading game instructions can be a surprisingly rich learning opportunity. Many children will enjoy reading the rules aloud—sometimes correcting the way adults have played for years! Reviewing the instructions together can also reveal new strategies or features that enhance the experience.

Encourage older children to read blogs, reviews, and strategy guides. These are excellent for building vocabulary, comprehension, and analytical thinking.

Online reading resources:

Reading games PBS KIDS

Games That Inspire Writing

Invite your children to start a game-themed blog or journal. They can write reviews, recount memorable gameplay moments, rate their favourite games, and even create their own game guides. Incorporating graphics, links, and multimedia can make the experience more engaging—and they'll be practising essential academic skills in a meaningful context.

Don’t Overlook Video Games

While video games often get a bad rap, many are filled with creative, educational opportunities. From building cities and civilizations to designing characters and solving puzzles, these games foster strategic thinking, storytelling, and creativity.

The same educational benefits apply here: children can read about their favorite games, write reviews or fan fiction, and apply math in in-game economies or construction mechanics.

Though I’m no video game expert, here’s a helpful resource to get you started:

Best Games for Kids

Final Thoughts: Learning Should Be Fun

Above all, remember that learning thrives in a joyful environment. Games can enrich your child’s skills across multiple domains while creating lasting memories.

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