Educational games for kids unite learning and playing, alongside enhancing brain function and creativity. They can also be a happy, stress-relieving activity for children to enjoy. Discover a range of excellent educational games for kids in the learning video above and the blogpost below.
1. DIY Memory Games
Let’s begin with a crafty option that you (or your child) can make by upcycling an old cardboard box. If, like many, you are ordering more online due to COVID-19 – chances are, you will have some empty boxes scattered around the house! The good news is that these can be repurposed into a fun memory game for kids. Carefully, cut out squares of cardboard using child-safety scissors. Next, draw and colour pairs of items on the squares. This is a brilliant opportunity for children learning shapes to practice their 2D shapes and colour recognition.
To play, lay out the squares picture-side down. Children can play individually, or take turns in a team, to turn over cards until they find a matching pair. At the end of the game, the winner is the person with the most pairs. Games such as this help boost memory function, as kids must remember which cards have matching pictures.
2. Free Printable Games for Home Learning
Looking for free games for kids? WordUnited’s fast-growing Free Resources Hub is bursting with hundreds of free printables for the classroom and home learning! Not to mention, they can easily be downloaded and printed from any device. Choose from fun board games such as Rockets & Parachutes, Acts of Kindness and Emotions & Feelings. Each board game includes colourful printable counters and dice. Staying indoors? This Unique Indoor Games printable from Barefoot Books makes indoor learning interesting with global, yoga and mindfulness activities for kids!
3. Board Games for Kids
Board games are a wonderful activity for kids as they encourage team work, including social skills such as turn taking. They are also a lovely way to strengthen relationships with friends and family members, as they often require more than one player. From traditional games such as Snakes and Ladders to award-winning modern classic games like Marrakech, children can improve their observational skills and concentration. Alternatively, experience multi-level brain games such as Dinosaur Mystic Islands and Three Little Piggies. The former will be adored by little paleontologists who must separate the plant-eating dinosaurs from the carnivores, whilst the latter is designed for kids fascinated with fairytales and includes a picture book.
4. IQ Challenge Games
For single-player games, SmartGames IQ challenges are brilliant for improving logical and strategic thinking, in addition to visual and spatial perception. They will provide hours of entertainment for both children and adults! Try IQ Blox and IQ Puzzler Pro for 120 problem-solving challenges – each with only solution. Planning a road trip with the easing of lockdown restrictions? The compact nature of SmartGames toys makes them the ideal travelling companion. Similarly, SmartGames Cube Puzzler GO is a real brainteaser that will put your spatial insight, logic and deduction skills to work! It is wonderful for developing key cognitive skills, as children must try to build a cube using seven colourful puzzle pieces.
5. Wooden Games for Kids
There are also amazing wooden games for kids made from natural, eco materials. Katamino bolsters fine motor skills, spatial awareness and is recognised by schools for its educational value. The various challenges encourage children to deepen their understanding of geometry, as they learn to manipulate the beautiful coloured puzzle pieces. Likewise, Qwirkle provides enjoyment for the whole family; it may be quick to learn but requires tactical manoveurs and strategic planning for those who want to win! Additionally, abstract maze games such as Quoridor are fast-paced and demand quick thinking. Plus, the solid wooden construction gives the game an elegant, coffee-table appeal.
6. Literacy and Numeracy Games
Playing educational games can support learning in academic subjects such as literacy and numeracy. Orchard Toys have a fantastic range of kids’ learning toys and are teacher tested. Kids will be spellbound by magic games where hidden letters help kids with their spelling practice! For numeracy toys, take a look at this 3D Counting Mountain or What’s the Time Mr Wolf? Young minds can develop mathematical skills in an exciting way.
7. Language, History and Geography Card Games
Covering an array of subjects from languages and science to geography and history, card games are great for snappy learning! For example, little ones will enjoy playing Snap in Spanish or Garden Snap. How about a game you can’t say no to? The classic Yes! No! Game develops speaking and listening skills with fast and furious fun. Likewise, challenge your brain with BrainBox card games! Created with 70% recycled materials, children can learn about history and geography with stimulating memory games such as Time Traveller and Cities of the World.
Explore WordUnited’s extensive range of educational games for kids here. Searching for online games, too? Check out BBC Bitesize for online primary school games. To browse thousands more learning resources, kids’ learning toys and books, head to wordunited.com!
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