Board games for children

It seemed that with the advent and active development of computers, board games would disappear within a few years - modern technologies, transferring the plot to the virtual space, offer much brighter graphics, improve the plot itself, and even allow them to play together with their loved ones. However, similar predictions were made before: it was supposed that the radio would make the newspapers disappear, the developing television would destroy the radio, and the Internet would destroy all three of its predecessors.

Nevertheless, all these inventions of mankind still exist and are popular, and now we can say that if they are still interested in board games, then they will not disappear. Moreover, besides purely entertaining, board games have one more, very important function - developing. For this reason, they should be of particular interest to parents who would like to playfully impart certain real life skills to their children.

To be honest, it is impossible to detect any harm from board games in general, although some, not very successful samples, due to their dubious content, can repel a potential buyer. Yes, board games are somewhat inferior to computer-based complexity and visual impressions, but this is not harmful, but they give a brighter sense of competition, they do not spoil the eyes, and they do not delay so much, that is, do not create mania.

Another thing - the benefits. Here are just a few of the advantages of board games:

• In any company, whether family or friendsIt will be interesting to test your mental abilities, cunning and luck.
• Board game is relevant in any situation.when you are not alone, even if there is bad weather outside, for some reason, active physical activity is not available, and the computer or the Internet do not work.

• Some board games carry such a bright educational element.that even used in educational institutions.

• Board games perfectly kill time on a long journey, especially since their network competitors in this situation are often unavailable - outside of large cities, wireless Internet in our country is still “caught” unless it is point.

However, if we talk about the reasons for buying board games for a child, then the main attention should be focused on the learning opportunities of a particular game.

Here are the main reasons why for a child a board game will not just be a toy:

• Training account. Since virtually any board game implies winners and losers, you must be able to count to sum up points, moves, and so on. For adults, this task does not seem difficult, but it is very useful for the development of mathematical abilities in children. If we talk about complex games like the same "Monopoly", then there the score is somewhat more complicated, and even the skill of conducting banking and economic operations appears, which is useful for adults.

• Learning to read. Many modern children are not too eager to learn the alphabet, and the only way to really interest them is to demonstrate an interesting game that is impossible to play without the ability to read. From board games, for which the ability to read is not mandatory, only checkers, chess and backgammon come to mind, and all the rest develop this skill.

• Family unification. Many families experience a cool atmosphere between members due to the fact that too little time is devoted to communication. The reasons for this are different interests, everyone’s abstraction to their own concerns. An exciting game is a great way to gather the whole family at the same table and literally make them spend time together with interest.

• Communication skills training. Shyness and shyness is characteristic of so many children, but this is not the best trait of character. Even completely unfamiliar children can come together during the game, and in the process they will have to at least a little bit, but still communicate with each other, which will teach them not to be afraid of getting to know each other. In addition, the game will teach and behavior in society - at least correctly behave in the event of victory, and after defeat.

• A worthy replacement for gadgets. Much has been written about the dangers of overuse of a computer, tablet or mobile phone, so we will not repeat. Gadgets attract children with the brightness and excitement of games, and then the “hooked up” child simply cannot get rid of the habit that has become part of life. Another thing, if you offer him a good alternative, which can serve as board games.

Nevertheless, it is impossible not to notice that choosing the game is worth more.

Buy a game that is too easy - it will quickly get bored and be abandoned, and you will get something for growth, while it is too complicated - and the kid will be disappointed, not having the opportunity to win. In addition, take care of the diversity - any, even the most interesting game tends to bother with time.

The variety of existing board games is so great that it is not at all easy to classify them. There is a solid suspicion that whatever the most unexpected idea a potential consumer may have expressed, it turns out that she or her likeness has already been translated into reality.

If we talk about targeting certain players, then all games can be divided into family games, for boys, for girls, for one child or for two children, and even for kindergarten. Games for the whole family should not contain too naive, fairy elements, otherwise parents will not be interested in playing this.

Games for boys and girls differ rather in design and semantic content, because various military subjects are more interesting for boys, but they will not play princesses.

Games for two necessarily involve competition.

Kindergarten board games are designed for a large number of players in the same age group.

Most parents seek to acquire educational and developmental games for their children, forgetting that at a very young age some kind of board games provide a certain development. Even card games, which are usually not recommended for children, are capable of giving something useful - the well-known fun “fool”, for example, develops good memory.

Absolutely any game can bring additional benefits if it is in English, because there is nothing better to learn English than regular practice.

Of course, with the growth of a child, games should become more complex, giving him not just elementary skills, but more serious knowledge. Intellectual games are often some fun quizzes on geography, ecology, or any other branch of knowledge, or you can do it all at once. Some of them also perform cognitive functions, if, without knowing the correct answer, the player can immediately find it and learn more.

Various economic simulators have gained immense popularity, but one should not think that this is only a standard "Monopolies". Even on its basis, dozens of modifications have been developed that take into account the specific interests of future players, for example, sports games that are focused on the purchase and development of famous football clubs. All these examples are characterized as developing memory and intelligence.

Some people need only new games with a bright design, taking into account modern realities, but ordinary wooden Soviet chess can give a child a lot. Contrary to popular belief, some board games are not devoid of elements of active movement - there are games of skill.

Perhaps, it is easy to get confused by such a choice, but it is important to remember that the impossibility to find something interesting is too far-fetched reason not to buy a board game for a child.

Every person, even a child, has special tastes, while modern game manufacturers do everything possible to satisfy everyone’s needs. In this context, it will not be entirely right to single out some games as the best, or at least just interesting, because there is no friend to the taste and color. Nevertheless, we still try to make a small review of popular games in order to show at least a little of their diversity.

And let's begin, perhaps, with the legend, called "Monopoly", because it is known to everyone. The first set appeared during the Great Depression in the United States, when in a difficult economic situation, people could get rich and did not need money at least in the game.

You can just dream of untold wealth in our day, but the fact is that the game contributes to the development of business skills, and it’s usually the one who has already begun to understand how it works.

Among the children, “walkers” have earned much popularity, they are also “walkers”. “Monopoly”, in fact, also applies to them in a certain sense, but most often the games with dice and chips do not imply a complicated plot - you just throw and walk there. Attractiveness for children lies in the beautiful playing field and the need to help one or another hero of the fairy tale, immediately arriving at the final destination. The benefit is in teaching the account, therefore for children of even primary school age it is already just entertainment.

Board games that imitate a particular sport are quite common. Table tennis, of course, stands apart because it has managed to transform itself into a separate sport, and it’s not just the children who play it.

Judging by the demand, the eternal classics also does not lose popularity. Chess Usually interesting not earlier than middle school age, but checkers, due to the simplicity of their rules, will fit even for preschoolers.

It has a similar success and lotto, especially as there are special types of children. Dominoesusually regarded as entertainment for male pensioners, it can be interesting and useful even for children, if it is, say, a children's domino "Animals"Helping to study little animals, or"Fruits". Continuing the theme of mass entertainment of the past decades, we note that manufacturers have even realized in the desktop versionSea battle"And"Field of Dreams».

Will promote learning to read games such as "ABCs"And"Read-grab". The second one is especially popular; those kids who cannot read yet can play in it. Those players who have already learned to read will significantly develop this skill, because here the one who can read faster wins. For the use of chips, "Read-catch" is often compared with the game "Dobl”, But that one is with cards, and it does not teach reading, it just entertains and develops attentiveness and quickness of reaction.

If the child already reads well and has a good vocabulary, please his gameScrabble“, The task in which is to make crossword puzzles from words with certain letters and score points.

This also refers to "Tik-Tak Bumm", But there is a sense - in inventing words from a certain set of letters for a while. Come up with the word necessary, while in the hands of a clock ticking bomb. If you succeed, pass the bomb to the next player; if you do not succeed, it will “explode”.

Some parents are surprised even by one name, but the game called “Traffic Laws". Contrary to expectations, this is not a quiz, and she will not teach the child to drive a car, but it will help to understand the meaning of road signs and not get hit by a car while walking on the street. There, by the way, you can play with a motorist, and if the kid is interested, but you don’t want to put him at the computer, ask him to steer without any gadgets - with the help of a revived Soviet toyBehind the wheel". For a more colorful study of signs with a large number of chips, there is also such a game as “Traffic light».

Lovers of challenging logic games for two will surely enjoy the game "Corridor», The meaning of which is somewhat similar to Chinese tic-tac-toe - you need to confuse your opponent and not get confused yourself.

Even the game in the association has found its display in the desktop version - the most famous version is called "Alias". In very young children, it expands vocabulary, in addition, it can be played in a foreign language.

Something similar in meaning and Activity, but there they will have to be explained not with words, but with gestures, movements, or even with their own hand-made drawings, therefore this game is aimed at teenagers and adults.

Another analogue is the game "Crocodile". But for teenagers, especially creative ones, from this series it is better to acquire the game “Imaginarium"Because it not only develops imagination, but also allows for a much better understanding of other players, but also requires a sufficiently developed mind.

An interesting game of reaction speed and attention - "Fishingbut". A teenager would go for a real one, but it would be interesting for a kid to catch fish that appears with a fishing rod. Similar features are developed and the game "In the bag”, But there, throwing special cubes with hat characteristics, you need to choose what you find among the numerous layouts, and the one who copes with the task faster wins.

Unusual card game that requires its own set of cards - "Svintus". It is usually played by a large company, and besides entertainment, it also develops attention - it is necessary to diligently follow the rivals, trying to watch for their carelessness. Another card game is "Cortex”, It is distinguished by a decent variety of tasks, and therefore it develops a number of abilities, including logic, speed of thinking and reaction, and much more.

To teach kids a simple account will help the game "Cat and Mouse." In its concept, it is somewhat reminiscent of a typical "walker", but has a very unusual distribution. If you want to impress your child with a board game using modern technologies, buy him a "Cockroach race».

Do not forget that children like games, one way or another, imitating the activities of adults. Kids, of course, dream of becoming super agents, for them - the game "Spy Kids, Which teaches to create secret ciphers and solve them. Game DevelopersOperation"Drew attention to the popularity of children's" medical "sets, but went much further - now the child will be able to" operate "on a person and cure him of any diseases!

You can "do" and animal breeding, now you don’t need real animals or even gadgets - for those who are interested, the game “Farm". Even unexpected board games such as “Fortune teller», Where you can not only predict the future, but also gain points and win. Well and "Mafia“Needs no introduction - there will be a chance to try yourself as at least a gangster or a policeman, and this toy will be captured not only by children, but also by adults.

The most popular board games are produced by dozens of different companies around the world, both in high-quality and expensive models, and in budget and simple ones, while lesser-known game concepts are produced by only one company. The most famous gaming brands are popular due to consistently interesting scenes, high quality and durability of all components.

Pay attention to the following manufacturers - if you see such a label, it means that the game is definitely worth seeing:

• Hasbro. This American company was created almost a hundred years ago, and the toys began to be produced in 1940. Over the decades of its existence, it has managed to achieve the scale of an annual turnover of several billion dollars, but it is not surprising, because it is this company that owns the rights to the famous Monopoly, as well as Twister and Erudite, not to mention the collections of popular children's toys.

• Play Land. Another very large company engaged in the production of toys, but located already much closer - in Bulgaria. The company has existed for some twenty years, but managed to conquer the markets of all Eastern European countries due to the great attention of developers to the local mentality of each state. In particular, the Russian-language versions of the products of this brand, if possible, take into account the history, culture and economy of Russia.

• Djeco. Not so well-known brand in the world, but not because of poor quality, but because of the focus mainly on the smallest consumers. Board games of this company are distinguished by their distinctive, unlike-it-like design and they are sure to interest the kid.

• Hudora. This German manufacturer is better known for its “transport”, namely scooters and longboards, but in recent years it has been actively developing the direction of board games, which has already been welcomed, including by domestic consumers.

Russian manufacturers, as compared with leading foreign manufacturers, have not yet achieved significant achievements. Perhaps the main company producing such products is TM “Ginger cat, Whose plant is located in Rostov-on-Don. There are no any own developments that have gained insane popularity in the company's portfolio, but it finds its consumer, if only because it publishes inexpensive Russian interpretations of famous games from other brands - for example, it produces at least a dozen of Monopoly varieties.

Home-made board games are almost impossible to meet, but with certain skills and a great desire to make one myself, it is quite possible. The meaning of this is not even in saving money, but rather in realizing one’s own creative potential, or, alternatively, in creating a truly original and unique gift.It should be noted that for the self-made production of most board games will need the skills of working with wood - to create chips.

Regardless of the type of game, for its independent creation it is necessary to have talents in the field of drawing. If you are not a wood processing specialist, then all the details of your creation, including the playing field and chips, will be made of cardboard, and without beautiful visual design it will look like a rather boring waste paper. This is especially true if the child is small, since bright colors are simply necessary for him to feel the tale and entertainment. However, this is true for children of any age, just seniors can appreciate at least the attempt itself, but the younger ones will not appreciate the colorless game at all.

A very important detail for most board games is the die, which determines the number of moves. It is possible and not to make it yourself - it is sold in any large toy store. Having considered all of the above, we come to the conclusion that with your own hands the easiest way to do is a “walker”. You can even somewhat simplify your task and not draw the playing field, but instead of using your own drawing, use a clipping from some magazine or even just a printout of an image from the Internet. It remains to put on it the route that the players will move on and solve the issue of chips and dice - that's all, the gift is ready.

If we take them as an example, in order to attract interest, the figures would be worth giving the appearance of real soldiers, and also come up with some kind of background in which to describe what the warring parties are, why they came together in battle, and how one or another outcome will affect their further fate. Ordinary "walkers" do not need such a large-scale legend, but it is still worthwhile to think up why it is so important for the players to get to their destination as soon as possible.

If you are serious, take care of any packaging for the game and its components. Surely you spent a lot of time on its creation, invested a lot of energy and your own soul there, so it’s better that the playing field be kept as long as possible and the chips are not lost.

Talking about reviews about board games in general is quite difficult, too - this is a broad topic. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of views on the role of such a gift in a child’s life are characterized by a high proportion of positive.

Of course, negative reviews are present, but they are more likely pinpoint. None of the commentators were dissatisfied with the board games in general, his claims always relate solely to one particular product. Most often, criticism is directed at the quality of a specific set - for example, in a world-famous game, released by a domestic company in the form of a budget copy, the cards can be short-lived.Some of the original little-known games are criticized for the complexity, or, conversely, the insufficient forethought of the plot. Sometimes the plot of individual games is criticized for being immoral or trying to exalt the low human qualities.

What board games to play with children, see also in the next video.