Best Games to Play at School on the Computer
As a high school teacher, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of certain games in captivating students’ attention and stimulating their minds. Many games, particularly those played on computers, offer a unique opportunity to enhance key cognitive abilities, foster strategic thinking, and develop critical problem-solving skills.
Understanding the potential of computer-based games, I have compiled a list of some of the best games to play at school, specifically those that align with educational objectives and support the development of essential skills.
Educational Games
Benefits of Educational Games
Educational games have emerged as a powerful tool in the classroom, offering several benefits:
- Improved Engagement and Motivation: Games captivate students, making learning more enjoyable and engaging.
- Cognitive Development: Games challenge students’ problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and strategic planning.
- Subject Matter Reinforcement: Games can reinforce concepts learned in the classroom, providing an interactive and immersive learning experience.
Here are some highly recommended educational games:
Prodigy Math
Prodigy Math is an award-winning game that makes math fun and engaging. Students explore a virtual world while solving math problems of varying difficulty levels, earning rewards and unlocking new content as they progress.
Khan Academy Kids
Khan Academy Kids is a free app designed for young learners. It offers a wide range of interactive games and activities that cover math, reading, science, and social-emotional learning.
PBS Kids Games
PBS Kids Games is a collection of educational games featuring popular characters from PBS shows. These games focus on a variety of subjects, including math, reading, science, and art.
Strategy Games
Importance of Strategy Games
Strategy games are crucial for developing critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. They challenge players to think ahead, anticipate the consequences of their actions, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Some excellent strategy games include:
Civilization VI
Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game where players build and lead their empires through history. They must manage resources, wage wars, engage in diplomacy, and advance their civilization’s culture and technology.
Age of Empires IV
Age of Empires IV is a real-time strategy game set in the Middle Ages. Players control one of several civilizations and must gather resources, build armies, and conquer territories.
Chess
Chess is a classic strategy game that requires logical thinking and strategic planning. Players move their pieces on a board, with the goal of checkmating their opponent’s king.
Puzzle Games
Cognitive Benefits of Puzzle Games
Puzzle games enhance cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and pattern recognition. They require players to think creatively and find solutions to challenging puzzles.
Here are some popular puzzle games:
Tetris
Tetris is a classic puzzle game where players rotate and drop tetrominoes (different shaped blocks) to create complete horizontal lines. Clearing lines earns points and prevents the blocks from stacking up and reaching the top of the screen.
Sudoku
Sudoku is a logic-based puzzle where players fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column, and 3×3 subgrid contains all the numbers from 1 to 9.
Crosswords
Crosswords are word puzzles that require players to fill in the blanks with words or phrases that fit the clues provided. They challenge vocabulary, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities.
FAQs
Q: Are these games appropriate for all grade levels?
A: The specific games suitable for different grade levels vary depending on the complexity of the game and the cognitive abilities of the students. It is advisable to research the recommended age range for each game before introducing it to students.
Q: Can these games be played independently or do they require supervision?
A: Some of these games, such as puzzle games and educational games, can be played independently. However, more complex strategy games may require supervision to ensure that students understand the rules and objectives.
Q: How often is it recommended to play these games at school?
A: The frequency of playing games should be balanced to avoid excessive screen time. A reasonable approach is to incorporate short game sessions during scheduled breaks or as a reward for completing assignments.
Conclusion
Incorporating the games discussed in this article into school settings can provide students with engaging and educational experiences that enhance their cognitive skills, foster critical thinking, and instill a lifelong love of learning. By leveraging the power of technology and embracing the positive aspects of gaming, we can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment for all students.
Are you interested in learning more about the benefits of educational games and other innovative teaching methods? Leave a comment below or reach out to me on social media. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how we can make learning more enjoyable and effective for our students!
