Both kids and adults enjoy games. Using games in the classroom and at home help to improve language and learning development, and it is a fun and interactive way to reach kids of all ages and abilities. Here are a few tips on how you can incorporate games into your children’s learning plan.

Explain the Rules

With whatever game you choose to use, be sure to explain the rules. You want to prepare children as much as possible before the game begins, so don’t assume everyone already knows how to play. Even if you have played the game before with these same children, take a couple of minutes to remind them of the rules and the expected behaviors. Allow children to ask questions. This will reduce anxiety and help them mentally prepare for what will happen during the game.

Keep it Simple

It’s easy to have fun playing almost any game as long as it’s not too complex. If you have to spend too much time explaining the rules and how to play, then you may confuse your audience. Your listeners will soon tune-out because of the many directions and rules.  Yet, you don’t want the game to be too simplistic. Most children enjoy some type of challenge, so when the winner is chosen, the reward feels that much better.

Simon Says

This classic game requires listening and comprehension skills. Since many children with ASD thrive on predictability, this game can be stressful unless you add some adjustments. Since the child who is designated as Simon is the only person who knows what will happen next, you will want to limit the possibilities Simon can choose as commands. You can also give a list of the possible activities to the children with ASD, so they have a better idea of what will be asked. If children still exhibit anxiety over the fear of being called “out,” you can remove the rule of “Simon says.” When Simon calls out a command, you can have children focus on the activity. If Simon says, “sit,” then children should follow along. You can create a list for Simon to use that focuses on the skills you want children to learn.

Rhymes

The repetitive nature of rhymes and chants help to build language and listening skills as well as memory. You can make rhymes out of your normal routine at home. For example, “First, I’m going to feed the cat, and then I’m going to wear my hat.” The rhymes should be silly and fun, which will encourage your child to create her own. You can also include rhymes with each daily activity your child performs, such as brushing her teeth, or making her bed.

Songs

Children love music, so make singing a part of their play. The lyrics of songs are rhythmic and easy for children to remember. Create new songs while making the bed or taking a bath. Songs help children learn new words while harnessing their natural musical talents.

Storytelling

Reading to children always promotes language and listening skills, yet you can add to storytime by creating a little fun. You can begin by regularly reading the same story to children. As they become more familiar with the story, you can add props and sounds. For example, every time the main character’s name is mentioned, children can clap their hands twice. When the conflict is solved, children can rattle their pom-poms. If making sounds disrupts the class and causes stress for students, you can have them hold up signs or raise their hands during certain parts of the story. Helping children participate with the story will encourage listening skills and comprehension.

For a change to the story time routine, you can create your own story. Create silly names and extraordinary places. You can add different voices to your characters and include your child in the story. Your child can help you with what happens next by giving them choices such as, “Will Johnny choose the apple or the banana?” Or, “Will Johnny choose to run away, or will he ask his friend Sarah for help?” You can also ask your child how it would feel to be the main character. These types of questions not only improve language and comprehension but also help to teach empathy. Involving your child with the events of the story will help him with comprehension and overall learning.

Go Fish

This card game requires children to understand the concept of fishing as well as language skills and memory. Children need to ask for specific cards to make matches, and they must remember who might have the cards they need. Before playing the game, you will need to explain the concept of fishing and then explain the rules of the game. Some adaptations for this game could be to allow children to actually see the cards and reduce the number of cards used. If you prefer to keep the cards hidden, children can be given paper and pencil to jot down what they need to remember.

If Things Don’t Go Well the First Time, Don’t Give Up

Some games will work better with some children on particular days. Moods and anxiety levels can change daily, so if you try to play a new game and find resistance, don’t push it or dismiss the game forever. You can wait a few more days and try again. Eventually, the game will most likely be successful because children begin to understand the expectations of the game.

Interactive games are a great way to introduce new words and increase learning. Teaching communication skills and learning strategies through the use of interactive games will help them reach their full learning potential as they grow. Games can offer so much more than entertainment or distraction from traditional learning; they offer lifelong learning skills.