It is commonplace to see children playing computer games at anyplace and anytime. Busy parents do admit that they will resort to entertaining their children with computer games. On the other hand, many parents are concerned with the negative aspects of what computer games can bring to their children’s learning capability. In addition, there are grave issues whereby children may suffer addiction to online games. Computer time is never deemed sufficient for the children. With studies showing that kids spend more time on the computer than ever before — and that violent games can indeed lead kids to think and act aggressively — parents’ worries are understandable.
Nevertheless, positive developments do occur with moderation of computer time. In fact, the children are learning
Check out the learning opportunities for different age groups:
Ages 3 to 5
The children can use computer games to master letters, colors, numbers, shapes, and patterns.
What Kids Learn
1) Prereading skills
Computers are fabulous teachers as they are able to repeat stories aloud without ever losing patience! Many virtual books feature animation and games, which make reading fun.
2) School readiness
Studies have shown that preschoolers with access to a computer are more ready for schools. Once in the classroom, they do better on cognitive tasks such as grouping objects.
Drawing on a computer has one major advantage over paint and crayons. The erase button lets kids experiment freely.
Ages 6 to 9
The children can think logically and sympathize with others. Games that involve role-playing and missions can help develop their cognitive and social skills.
What Kids Learns
While playing on a game, the kids may be challenged to figuring out how to get a fox over a wall using a rope or a sword, but it takes brainpower. As such the kids are trained to form a hypothesis and test it. And the more kids practice using logic, the better thinkers they become.
2) Sharper memory
It’ll be easier for your child to learn and remember the 112 elements of the periodic table if she’s already practiced memorizing the complex details in games such as Pokemon!
3) Teamwork and community
A great feature of certain games is that kids can play cooperatively as partners. The constant need to collaborate, does build up teamwork and community spirit.
Ages 10 to 12
The right games will hone their mental and social skills.
What Kids Learn
1) Mastery of reading
Certain games which involve deciphering phrases such as “walls of revealing light,” require that kids grasp different shades of meaning in complex language. That helps them conceptualize what words mean in new contexts.
2) Relationship management
Some games have characters created to experience emotions as humans do, so kids can learn to process their feelings through them.
3) History and science
Many programs are based on real facts — so your child can learn about ancient Egypt or baseball while playing, especially if you supplement the games with books on the topic once their interest is piqued.
We do know that moderation is always the key towards a child’s gaming time. At Kidscode, we do advocate code to learn. How about getting your kids to be game developers instead of users of games readily available? We are proud to introduce a new addition to our library, KODU! https://www.kidscode.sg/product/exploring-game-design-with-kodu/