Developing Thinking Skills

Strengthen your child’s thinking skills with a few video games

Kids love video games. And the good news for parents is that these games can teach thinking skills. After all, NASA astronauts use a version of a video game to prepare for a space launch.

If your child loves to play video games, here are some wonderful ways you can use them to teach thinking skills. Have her:

• Make maps. Have your child draw a map of the world of the video game. Your child can use her mapping skills such as putting north at the top. Mapping questions often appear on state tests.
• Read for details. Many video games include reading passages. They often contain clues to help solve problems.
• Observe carefully. Looking for details is a skill that is especially useful in science class.
• Talk about strategy. Ask your child to talk about what she is planning to do next in her game.

Of course, video games should not replace time spent reading, studying or playing outside. Also be sure you check the parent label to make sure the game is appropriate for your child. Watch it to see if it’s violent. (Some video games are too violent for kids.) And limit your child’s total “screen time” (TV, internet and video games) each day.

Reprinted with permission from the February 2007 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2007 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: “Thinking and Learning Skills Potentially Developed by Some Simulation/Adventure/Role Playing Video Games,” The Creative Teaching Site, www.creativeteachingsite.com/videogames.htm.