The Importance of Family Games Night For Wellbeing and More
One of the common questions we are asked as general primary teachers and as leaders in wellbeing, is how can we support the growth and development of resilience within our children. In the fast paced world of digital technologies we often over look the old fashioned concept of a family games night. In fact, one of our most used tools within the school space to assist students who are feeling challenged with their social interactions is time playing board and card games.
Playing board games has so many benefits and supports much of the learning that we report against within both the ACARA General Capabilities and in the skills strands across all curriculum areas. When we engage in board game play we develop our critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, decision-making skills as well as strategic planning and considerations. These are all skills used both in schools and beyond when we are being active learners. Board games can also encourage the development of both gross motor and fine motor skills as well as visual spatial awareness. A simple game of Snakes and Ladders allows for children to practise counting on and subtracting. Conversations about the difference between number amounts can then easily flow from this.
With regards to wellbeing benefits, this begins before the game even starts. Play negotiation when choosing who will start, even which game to play is part of our social-emotional growth. Learning integrity in following the rules or accepted rules of the game is another way in which board games promotes the development of social growth. Conversations during a board game help promote family fun (hopefully) through deeper level interpersonal social connections as well a promotion of strong family relationships. Being happy or unhappy for how other players have gone promotes sympathy towards others.
Being resilient means understanding what disappointment and loss feels likes and how we can then bounce back from these feelings and experiences in a positive manner. The family board game night is the ultimate opportunity to feel this and also to discuss these feelings in a safe space. The interactions between players including: taking turns which helps to develop patience and sharing and losing or play within the game not necessarily going in your favour enables disappointment to be felt and experienced. This then in turn enables the development of resilient characteristics.
As the term draws to a close, we encourage all families to slow down, spend time together and invest in regular time playing old fashion board games.
Wishing you all a very restful break from the Mt Ridley Primary Wellbeing Team.