LWL_free Blog 15. The Power of Play

The Power of Play: Why Gameschooling Might Be Your Child's Best Learning from Age 4+

In a world brimming with educational philosophies, methods and styles, one approach is quietly, yet powerfully, coming out of the woodwork: Gameschooling.

Forget the image of dusty textbooks and rigid schedules; imagine instead a vibrant, joyful, and deeply effective learning journey built around play. For children aged 4 and beyond, gameschooling isn't just an alternative; for many, it's proving to be the best way to learn for families in many settings.

So, what exactly is gameschooling? It's an learning philosophy where board games, card games, role-playing games, and even outdoor games become tools for learning. It's about leveraging the inherent engagement, problem-solving, and social aspects of play to learn everything from math and literacy to history, science, and critical life skills. And for the developing minds of young children, who naturally learn through play, it's a match made in learning heaven.

The Power of Play: Learning Through Laughter and Strategy

From the moment they're born, children learn by exploring, experimenting, and interacting with their environment. Games tap directly into this innate drive. At age 4, children are sponges, eager to understand the world around them. Games provide a structured yet flexible framework for this exploration, allowing them to:

• Engage deeply without realising they're "doing learning."

• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in real-time.

• Practice social-emotional regulation like turn-taking, patience, and handling wins/losses.

• Internalise concepts through repeated, varied application, not rote memorisation.

• Build strong family bonds through shared, positive experiences.

Let's dive deeper into why this playful path might be the ultimate learning adventure for your child.

19 Pros of Gameschooling: A Winning Strategy for Learning

• Intrinsic Motivation: Games are inherently fun, fostering a love for learning rather than dread.

• Hands-on Engagement: Children actively participate, components and making decisions is at the forefront.

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Every game presents challenges that require strategic thought.

• Enhanced Memory Retention: Concepts learned through engaging play are more likely to stick.

• Social-Emotional Development: Encourages patience, turn-taking, cooperation, negotiation, and resilience.

• Real-World Application: Applies math, literacy, and logical reasoning in practical contexts.

• Adaptable to Learning Styles: Caters to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners simultaneously.

• Strong Family Bonding: Creates shared positive experiences and strengthens relationships.

• Improved Communication Skills: Encourages discussion, explanation, and active listening.

• Numeracy Skills: Counting, addition, subtraction, probability, and spatial reasoning become second nature.

• Literacy Skills: Reading rules, interpreting game cards, and thematic discussions boost vocabulary.

• Develops Strategy & Planning: Children learn to think several steps ahead.

• Reduced Learning Anxiety: Removes the pressure of formal testing and "failure."

• Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating cards, pawns, and dice refines dexterity.

• Focus & Concentration: Games naturally extend attention spans through engaging challenges.

• Creative Thinking: Many games encourage imaginative play and creative solutions.

• Geography & History: Themed games introduce children to diverse cultures, maps, and historical events.

• Science Concepts: Games can explore physics (balancing, trajectories), biology (ecosystems), and more.

• Adaptable & Flexible: Can be done anywhere, anytime, to fit your family's schedule.

• Cultivates a Growth Mindset: Encourages trying new strategies and learning from mistakes.

20 Cons of Gameschooling: Navigating the Board

While gameschooling offers immense benefits, it's essential to approach it with a realistic understanding of its challenges.

• Initial Investment in Games: Building a diverse game library can be costly -unless you're a member here.

• Significant Parental Involvement: Requires active participation, curation, and facilitation from parents for younger children. Something to think about, should you become a member -Set boundaries, create guidelines.

• Time Commitment: Games take time to play, set up, and clean up, and facilitate learning discussions.

• Perceived Lack of Rigor: Outsiders might question the "seriousness" or coverage of a play-based approach.

• Assessment Challenges: Less formal tracking of progress compared to mainstream methods.

• Finding the "Right" Games: Can be overwhelming with the vast number of games available.

• Not All Subjects Easily Gameschooled: Abstract concepts or specific skills might require supplementary resources.

• Potential for Screen Time Creep: If digital games are heavily relied upon, it can negate some benefits.

• Child Resistance: Some days children might prefer free play over structured game time.

• Sibling Rivalry: Competitiveness can lead to arguments or meltdowns.

• Set-Up & Clean-Up: Games often involve many pieces, requiring organisation.

• Parental Learning Curve: Parents need to learn how to effectively facilitate learning through games.

• Socialisation Concerns: If games are primarily played within the family, external social exposure might need supplementing.

• Explaining to Sceptics: Family and friends might not understand or support the Gameschool approach.

• Storage Space: A growing game collection requires dedicated space.

• Difficulty with Formal Testing Prep: May require additional effort if standardised tests are a requirement.

• Not Suitable for All Personalities: Some children or parents might prefer more structured learning.

• Over-Reliance on Games: Can lead to a feeling that learning only happens through games.

• Emotional Management: Learning to lose gracefully can be a big challenge for young children.

• Tune in to see and listen: Gameschool requires focus, attention and time to facilitate.

In saying that, on the inside of Learn While Living many cons are quashed.

Conclusion: Rolling the Dice on a Brighter Future

Gameschooling is more than just playing games; it's a philosophy that recognises the inherent power of play in fostering deep, meaningful, and joyful learning. For children aged 4 and beyond, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop critical academic skills alongside crucial social-emotional abilities, all while strengthening family bonds and having FUN.

Be inspired by those who have walked the walk: Countless families have embraced gameschooling and shared stories of children who are not just academically strong but also resilient, creative, and genuinely love to learn via the power of play.

From personal experience, I recall being in Aotearoa with a family, and their children helping to make a game for their sisters birthday. The brothers excitement was palpable, keen as mustard to get involved. That night, the adults played one of the bespoke games Addy made for their daughter, and let's say the neighbourhood heard us from the singing and laughter that echoed the neighbourhood.

For the next several days, across the way we heard laughter and playful noise coming from their daughters place. A difference from the days leading up to her birthday. No matter one's age, the power of play is food for FUN.

If you're looking for an approach that respects your child's natural curiosity, ignites their passion for discovery, and builds lifelong skills in a joyful way to learn, play, be curious and live, gameschooling might just be the winning move for your family. Are you ready to level up your learning?

LWL_free blog 15. The Power of Play /Author Addy / Learn While Living Platform