Why Board Games?

In his popular 1987 educational model, Neil Fleming suggested that there are four primary approaches to learning: visually, auditorily, reading & writing, and kinesthetically (tactile)1. While studies have shown that matching learning method to teaching style has little effect on educational outcome, the VARK model did establish a common standard for multimodal learning - an approach that is quite effective. Board games, which combine all four teaching styles, have particular educational relevance.

Board games are a very broad category, and different board games require different strategies. Diplomacy games like Settlers of Catan, Risk, and Stratego reward players who are able to maximize their resources and strike deals with other players to win. Perfect information games like Chess, Poker, and Backgammon require players to learn the rules and analyze the choices of other players to gain advantage. “Luck-of-the-draw” games like Monopoly, Sorry!, and Scrabble usually feature some combination of strategy and luck, forcing players to think quickly on their feet and create multiple possible approaches to reach their desired result. Many board games combine styles or strategies - and it feels like new board games are coming out every day!

Board games have been shown to have practical relevance for motivating and focusing young players and players with attention span difficulties 2. Board games are also helpful tools to utilize when teaching kids social skills, cooperation, and compromise 3. The multimodal interface of a board game “prepare(s) children for more rigorous academic challenges while simultaneously supporting their social and emotional development ” 4. Not to mention, playing a good board game is just plain fun. So go forth, players of all ages, and feel affirmed in your board game nights and lazy Sunday afternoon games: board games are, and always have been, a positive and worthwhile way to spend time.

Sources

1 https://www.verywellmind.com/vark-learning-styles-2795156#toc-kinesthetic-learners 

2 Noda, S., Shirotsuki, K. & Nakao, M. The effectiveness of intervention with board games: a systematic review. BioPsychoSocial Med 13, 22 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-019-0164-1.

3 Collins, Kathleen M., et al. “It’s All in the Game: Designing and Playing Board Games to Foster Communication and Social Skills.” YC Young Children, vol. 66, no. 2, 2011, pp. 12–19. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/42730714. Accessed 20 July 2023.

4 Platas, Linda M. “Three for One: Supporting Social, Emotional, and Mathematical Development.” YC Young Children, vol. 72, no. 1, 2017, pp. 33–37. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/90001482. Accessed 20 July 2023.