Why Play Games?

Why play games?

Of course there are the obvious benefits of educational games: They're fun, a break from routine, "outside of school" learning, and family time. So, we'll explore those later.

Brain function is another compelling argument. Now I am not a doctor, scientist or specialist in human brain function by any means; however, there are a few things that I have noticed over the course of my life that may apply to game playing and learning.

First, it seems that strong emotions are usually paired with a pretty decent memory. For example, I remember where I was, who I was with and what I was doing when I heard about the Challenger accident. Likewise with 9/11. On a happier note, I can remember what I was wearing, where I was, and what I said the day my husband proposed marriage. I also remember word for word our conversation about my first positive pregnancy test.

In school, I always did better when I could associate something I needed to learn with something funny (a positive emotion). When learning Latin, I had to remember the translation for "your" as tuus, tuua, tuum. Now, I have no idea what this means anymore, but I can still see my mom singing "Your tuus is a tuua in my tuum" as she danced around the house. It was hilarious. Now, 25 years later, I still remember it. I can't use it properly and I'm not sure it's spelled correctly here, but I memorized it.

But what about negative emotions? I'm not saying that you can't learn or remember things when you are stressed, but it's just harder. Think about that exam you crammed all night for in high school, you knew it that night, then you got into the morning test and your mind went blank.

Beta waves are when you are really alert and focused. You looked up the auto shop phone number in the directory, remember it long enough to dial, then poof!, it's gone.

Alpha waves are when you are alert but relaxed. Much of our "mental processing" goes on during this time. This is when information is most easily transferred to our long term memory. If you grew up in the 80's, you may remember a song about "Jenny" whose phone number was 867 - ______ . Can you fill in the blank? (If you aren't of that era, it's 5309.) If you were like me, you probably only had to hear that song one or two times before you knew the number. Sure you probably heard it 1000 times since then, but the initial memorization took place after only a few repetitions. Why is it you can't remember the auto shop's number from 5 minutes ago, but you can remember Jenny's from 30+ years ago?

Theta waves are the brain waves you have early in your sleep cycle. I've heard it's when you are dreaming. A lot of processing goes on during this time as well.

Delta waves happen when you are in deep sleep.

The lesson here is that when you are relaxed, there is an increased potential for learning.

Back to our question...why play games?

SOCIAL BENEFITS OF GAMES

Bridge generational/age gap - There are many games out there that can be enjoyed by young and old at the same time. It may take a few rounds for the younger ones to catch on, but once they do, there’s no turning back.

Social skills – Younger children learn skills like taking turns and how to be a good sport. Come to think of it, some adults need to learn the “good sport lesson, too. Everyone has a chance to learn to negotiate, communicate, and patience. If you think only kids need to learn patience, try playing Yahtzee with a 7 year old! Everyone has to think for themselves. Nobody is going to help you decide what to do, because they are trying to win, too!

When the game is over, any bad decisions or mistakes you made are gone for good - they don’t matter in the big picture of life. Remind yourself and your children, it’s only a game. If you lost, you can start over and try again. Sometimes, a mistake made mid game can be corrected before the final result. (Which is another lesson in planning and strategy.)

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS OF GAMES

I have seen several studies that report children who play games do better in school. I have yet to decide if this is because they play games or because they have parents and friends who are interested in their development. Nevertheless, it’s worth mentioning.

When you are playing a game you are generally focused; therefore, learning is focused.

Playing an educational game doesn’t “feel” like learning in the sense that “you have to sit here and fill in worksheets until you know this.” Games are motivating, challenging, and engaging. These qualities help sustain the learning effort.

If you can present content in a meaningful context, it is more likely to be remembered. For example, if you are studying the election process, a game like Hail to the Chief would be a good addition. Professor Noggin games are great for science and history topics. Scrabble and Quiddler for spelling. Over and Out and Totally Tut are good practice for math.

Even games that are not overtly academic can be educational as far as developing skills for planning and strategy, organizing, thinking hypothetically and considering multiple variables simultaneously.

OTHER BENEFITS OF GAMES

As evidenced by many successful companies like Dreamworks Studios and Google, adults who play often tend to be more productive and creative. A little extra creativity and productiveness can’t be bad.

Stimulating leisure activities were “prescribed” to my grandmother to help her keep her mental sharpness. So, who knows, game playing may actually reduce your risk for dementia.

Leave the Why Play Games? page and return to the HBD Home page