The Power of Games in Developing Children’s Executive Functioning Skills
by: Fourth Grade Teacher Naomi Smith
As a parent, I have many fond memories (and some not so fond) of playing games with my children as they were growing up. We started off with games such as Patty Cake, Peek-a-Boo, and Where’s Your Nose. Those games were fun and cozy with no real rules to follow. We then progressed to Candyland and Chutes and Ladders. These memories are still fond but peppered with a few difficult conversations that began with “Can I win this time?” or “Why?” as the games introduced taking turns and following procedures. Game play did not stop there. We eventually got to the often played Uno, Monopoly, and Sorry. These introduced strategy and planning. We even moved on to games that take days to complete such as Risk! Even now, as my children are gone for lots of time away at college, when we get together, we save time to play a few rounds of a favorite game, or our children opt to teach us a new one.
We all know that game-play is an excellent choice for family time. Game-play deepens family bonds, connects families with shared experiences and language, and rewards with fun. Building relationships during this time is priceless. We also know that games are valuable in developing thinking and growth in children. With our school’s current focus on executive functioning skills, I thought I’d highlight games that lend focus to specific executive functioning skills. Many games require multiple executive functioning skills that challenge children, and this practice and experience will go far to grow these necessary skills. Some skills such as working memory, flexible thinking, impulse control, and organization are key to game play.
Impulse Control
Children are naturally impulsive, but through game play can learn to “be in charge” of their own reactions. This takes time and practice. Game play is a fun way to increase this skill. Younger children may like games such as Duck, Duck, Goose; Freeze Dance; and Red Light, Green Light. These are fun games that require only space and time, and the reward is fun and a bit of control. Other versions that may be forgotten that can help with impulse control are Mother May I and Simon Says. There are even board games that could be useful when working on impulse control such as Uno, Perfection, Jenga, and Spot It.
Working Memory
Working memory is a skill that allows us to hold on to new information so the brain can work with it and make connections to other ideas. The best way to increase the brain's capacity to hold more information in working memory is to exercise it. There are many games that can help expand working memory. Some traditional games that require no additional materials are Guess My Rule, I Spy, and Twenty Questions. These require players to hold on to information as they sort through ideas to obtain the solution. Some board games that fall into this category are Memory, Traffic Jam, Go Fish, Clue, and Battleship. For older children, Hearts and Rummy are great options for challenging working memory.
Flexible Thinking
Flexible thinking, also known as cognitive flexibility, is the ability to alter one’s thinking and emotions when faced with a new situation. Game-play is an excellent way to help children turn frustration into flexible thinking in a safe and fun way. Strategy thinking games such as chess and checkers are excellent in encouraging flexible thinking. More creative options such as Pictionary or Charades are a fun way to challenge older children to think flexibly. Sorry and Clue are also good options in the board game category. Another fun game that pushes flexible thinking for older children is Codenames, which is available for free online.
Organization
Organization is the ability to develop systems to keep track of information. This executive functioning skill develops naturally in children beginning at an early age and progresses to a much more sophisticated system as children grow older. Basic sorting games are the starting point for game play that develops organization. Some very traditional options such as puzzles and pick-up-sticks help children think through and organize to gain success. Tetris is also another fun game that forces organization and is available as an electronic game or a physical board game. Other board games that are easy to play and are known to help with organization are Sort It Out, UZZLE, and Headbandz.
As a teacher, I often turn to game time to help practice skills and help my students improve their focus, impulsivity, and ability to plan. The end goal is to have fun and learn along the way. In my experience, the following are key for success in game-play:
- Keep game-play positive. Game play should be seen as a fun opportunity and not seen as a chore or something forced.
- Give choice. Think of games that focus on a particular skill and then give a limited choice of three or so games. This is a great way to let a child choose what interests them and to gain the most buy-in.
- Focus on creative thinking and problem solving. Encourage problem solving and creative thinking over winning. Yes, a natural lesson is to be had about how to be a good winner and a good loser, but, with so much learning and fun being had, everyone is a winner!
- Play regularly. Saving a special time of the day or a particular day of the week gives children a reliable event to look forward to. Anticipation can create a very positive atmosphere.
Happy game-play!