Although many kids today are forced to stay home due to the pandemic and have their academic life hampered one way or another, there are still plenty of opportunities for such students to learn. Video games can be your ticket in providing a fun learning environment in an otherwise boring one, and with the right games, keeping your kids in the attitude of learning has never been easier.

That being said, here are the many ways video games can supplement your kids’ education during the pandemic:

1. Boosts literacy

A survey done by the UK’s National Literacy Trust has shown that approximately a third of children who play video games have shown to be much more literate. 35 percent of children who play video games are better readers and writers mainly because many of these individuals have either read or written something related to gaming. 

To encourage this kind of growth for your kids, we highly recommend opting for interactive story games that allow your kids to make decisions throughout the story. This not only promotes literacy but critical thinking and creativity as well.

2. Teaches history

There are many games of today that revolve around the world’s history. Some are a little bloodier than others, meant for adult gamers. However, there are games like Sid Meier’s Civilization that are rated for everyone. The game is essentially a historical simulation that allows your kids to become the ruler of a civilization. 

Although the game allows you to change history in weird ways, it is still an entertaining way to learn about history, most notably how certain societies operated and how certain geopolitical phenomena came about.

3. Improves mathematics

Games are integrated with math, whether you realize it or not. This is excellent news if your kids are interested in creating their video games. Calculus and algebra are all part of the creation of games. 

That said, some games directly involve maths. Such games test a player’s knowledge of math, teaching them how to problem solve quickly and grade them accordingly. These games also do so in a fun manner, teaching players logic and math in an exciting manner.

4. Facilitates physical education

There remains a stigma to video games—that they are unhealthy and bad for the brain. Unfortunately, this cannot be further from the truth. There are still plenty of healthy individuals who love to play games, and there are even video game companies that produce games that revolve around being active. 

For instance, the Nintendo Switch has Ring Fit Adventure, a game that uses exercise as part of its gameplay and storyline. Your kids can play such games to improve various things like their strength and balance, develop their physicality, and learn more about why it is important to be healthy.

Conclusion

We are not telling you to substitute modern education with video games entirely. What we are telling you, however, is that video games can act as a great supplement to your children’s education. Whatever you want your kids to learn, whether math or science, there is a game out there that can help. 

Creators have made all sorts of video games, many of which facilitate critical thinking and more. Such games help young players develop their cognitive skills, and there are still a few other games that can even boost a child’s physical health. Just be sure to pick the suitable games for your kid, and you will soon see them having fun while learning!

The Lohrah Twins is a lifestyle blog that shares the author’s experiences with raising her children and her own experiences as a child. The blog’s aim is to share those experiences with other parents through tips and advice. Check out more in the blog today.