Educational Child Games

As parents, we would always want the best of everything for our children. But sometimes, we tend to work hard a lot not knowing that we are already forgetting the fact that our kids need to be guided in order for them to grow healthy and eventually become a good citizen.

One of the things that parents should consider in rearing their children is their children’s extra curricular activities in the form of fun child games, sports, arts, etc.

Also, for the people who are in the academe, they should also try to incorporate these extra curricular activities in school and not just focus on the academics. Research has found that keeping students engaged outside of the classroom is just as important. Without a focus on engagement, classrooms can become rigid and disjointed, causing students to feel disconnected and lost. If students find themselves in these types of “standard” classrooms, they have the opportunity to become connected through structured extracurricular activities; these activities include fun child games, sports, drama, music, and are either academic/non-academic and take place during or after school hours (Akos, 2006). This extracurricular participation can “save” students, as it provides a chance for students to become part of a community. These activities also aid in learning, as students learn in an informal environment how to get along with their peers, and operate in “real-life” activities. Research also shows that the more activities students are a part of, the better their grades are and the less likely they are to drop out of high school (Cairns, R. & Mahoney J, 1997).

On the other hand, if you want your child to be engaged in fun yet educational child games but your child’s school schedules do not include extra curricular activities, you may still find other means to endow with your child opportunities to expand their knowledge and have fun. Your choice of after-school activities need not be limited to structured plans that are similar to school courses that are taught by professional teachers. You may want to consider even the informal after-school programs as long as they can provide enhancement and support to the academic, social and physical development of your child.

The method of teaching kids should never get boring and uninteresting. Perhaps that is the explanation for mushrooming of modern educational games and toys that not only aid the learning process, but also make the learning process fun for the kids.

Lately, a good number of games have generated a great deal of good press with regards to helping children discover fundamental skills. Though conservative wisdom has demanded limiting the time children spend interfacing with television or computer screens, it could behoove a child to engage in some amount of interactive, computer-based learning. The tools parents and teacher have at their clearance have multiplied exponentially.

There are numerous educational games that can help children build up important skills that are necessary to bloom. An important example includes programs that are designed towards increasing reading skills. These games combine the use of phonics with word families, while using colors and music to develop children’s retention. Reading is one of the most imperative skills a child develops and more and more educational companies are starting to realize this. As a result, there is a swerve of games available for young children who are looking forward to read.

Another class of educational games parents and educators can investigate involves building fundamental math concepts. Children are given insights into basic addition and subtraction, as well as basic geometry, especially with regards to shapes and their names. As children age and their skills and understanding broaden, these educational games can provide an exciting means of learning about multiplication, division, time, and more.

While academics alone are an important section of every child’s educational experience, there are other concepts that are relevant to a child’s emotional and mental development. Emotional intellect is important to understanding a child’s emotional response to people and situations. The key concepts to be aware of are sharing, honesty, and compassion. Some exceptional software programs and games help reinforced these traits.

There are a number of benefits associated with educational software programs and games. Children can learn about basic academic concepts, and progress to more advanced concepts as they develop. Furthermore, children can learn the ramifications of sharing, team work, and responsibility. If you want to enhance the academic and emotional intellect of your child, kids educational software games can be very rewarding.

Besides, education should never seem monotonous or boring. Children should be able to explore concepts, generate ideas and discover the joy of learning. Children can grasp maximum knowledge only when they are enjoying what they are learning and educational games and toys are the best way to combine education and entertainment.

Classroom education expert and a professor at the University at Buffalo provided six factors that affect whether elementary, middle and high school students get involved in the activities of their schools or feel detached.

Dr. Jeremy D. Finn said that students who feel “disengaged” from school are at greater risk for dropping out, avoiding challenging courses, scoring low on standardized achievement tests and achieving less as adults.

Finn added further that, “Disengagement is the failure to develop a sense of school membership, failure to participate actively in class and school activities, or failure to become cognitively involved in learning. Different degrees of disengagement may be exhibited by students at all stages of schooling. The extreme of disengagement is leaving school without graduating, thus severing connections with school, teachers and activities that support learning”.

And according to Finn, the six factors that can throw in to student disengagement are:
1. Failure to provide early school experiences that can impact engagement in later grades
2. School conditions that are inconsistent with the needs of adolescents
3. School conditions that produce feelings of anonymity
4. Rules and disciplinary practices that are unclear, too harsh or administered unfairly.
5. Inadequate academic and personal support for students at risk of “disidentification.”
6. Course work that may be seen as irrelevant to the needs of the students (upper grades).

These six factors and solutions are drawn from Finn’s study on the effects of class size, from an analysis of published research on the subject and from the “Dropout Prevention Guide,” which is authored by six experts including Finn (ANI).

Like adults who have different physical and mental constitutional makeup, children too are dissimilar from each other. Parents must realize this and accommodate their physical as well as psychological needs accordingly. While a child in the age 10 years old and below requires more of physical affection, an adolescent expects more of psychological support from parents.

High expectations, frequent nagging, excessive control and the likes, should be avoided when dealing with any child. Instead of focusing what you desire or expect from them, their interests should be given priority so that the child is self motivated and performs better.

One thing also to consider is that children do not realize the importance of health as they lack the sense and maturity but parents can inform them and try innovative cuisines to satisfy the needs of their children. Present generation prefer fast food to healthy nutritious home made diet. Prohibiting access to junk food is not the solution to this problem.

Parents can come up with interesting healthy alternatives for junk food and try to mollify children. Healthy mind resides in a healthy body so it is vital to keep the child’s body in sound health by providing balanced nutritious diet and adequate sleep.

Junk food, canned or frozen products should not be given to the children as these be likely to lower the energy levels instead fresh fruits, vegetables whether cooked or raw should be served on a regular basis. Fresh dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, buttermilk are ideal for all growing children.

Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts should be soaked overnight and given to the children so as to improve their memory. Some spices like cumin, turmeric and pepper play an important role in facilitating important physiological processes and thus should be used as ingredients in preparation of meals.

Another way to increase metabolism of your child is to involve them in outdoor physical activities and fun child games like football, badminton, swimming or any sport that interests the child.
Instead of keeping the child enclosed in four walls of the house, habit of early morning walk in the open green parks should be inculcated so that the body can utilize maximum oxygen. This way, your child will surely have a healthy mind and body.

Teenagers playing with video games may help unlock the secrets of how memory works and help scientists to see what causes epilepsy in teenagers.

Experts consider that epileptic fits may instigate in the temporal lobe, which is linked to memory.

They say studying the brainwaves of severely epileptic teenagers as they play with video games may help identify which parts of the brain are most associated with memory and could eventually provide a key to treatment. The way scientists or researchers examine the teenagers’ brain waves are by putting wires on the surface of the brain as the teenagers are placed in virtual environments.

Epilepsy, which affects around 400,000 people in the UK, results in recurrent fits or seizures which can lead to loss of consciousness and death.

It is thought to be characterized by sudden out of control brainwave patterns.
Virtual Environments

Writing in Nature magazine, US neuroscientists at Brandeis University and Children’s Hospital in Boston describe how they utilized a video game which had been purposely designed by a 15 year old for the research.

It leads players through a series of virtual mazes and leaves them to find their own way out. They have to remember how they got there and where they have been.

They therefore have to rely on their memory of how they got there.

The scientists attached wires to various parts of the teenagers’ brains to monitor their electrical activity.
As the teenagers are busy playing the video games, the scientists look at theta oscillations, slow, rhythmic waves of electrical activity. They found that different parts of the brain reacted to different parts of the video games.

Certain slower types of electrical activity were associated with spatial learning and were particularly marked when the teenagers were trying to find their way out of the mazes.
Dr Michael Kahana, one of the researchers, said: “Hundreds of papers have linked theta oscillations to spatial learning in rats and other animals; our study is the first to seal the link between theta and spatial learning in humans.”

People with placid epilepsy can be treated with medicine, but, in those with a stern form of the condition, doctors try to situate and remove the part of the brain which is thought to be the cause of the problem.
Professor of Psychology at Brandeis says, “By playing video games today, these heroic teenagers are helping the kids of the future have happier, healthier, seizure free lives. With more work, we may be able to understand why the brain’s rhythmic activity sometimes spins out of control. The long-range goal is developing a cure for epilepsy.”

People loved Barack Obama because of his refreshing leadership and youthful charisma. People all over the world, especially the youth, knew him because of his strategy in making good use of the newest form of media and for treating the youth as the number one priority of his agenda as president. The internet, which is one the primary media he used, eventually made him the first black president in the history of United States of America.

But what seems to be the idol before of the youth, especially the video gamers, turns out to be villain of the game now. For three times already since his election as the president of the United States, President Obama was quoted saying video games are harmful to the children. Why does President Obama had a change of heart?

During the Campaign

Looking back at the time when he was not yet elected and the campaign process is still going on, President Obama is moving his Presidential campaign in front of gamers by promoting inside Xbox 360 games like Burnout Paradise and Madden 09. You can observe his face on in-game posters asking for votes and promising change.

After the Election

Obama’s supposed positive stand on video games is likely replaced with the negative one after he was elected. Many people, especially the video gamers, noticed that he is linking underachievement of children to video games.  Thus, in one of the speeches of Obama, he was quoted saying:

“I know how hard it will be to alleviate poverty that has built up over centuries, how hard it will be to fix schools, because changing our schools will require not just money, but a change in attitudes. We’re going to have to parent better, and turn off the television set, and put the video games away, and instill a sense of excellence in our children, and that’s going to take some time. “(2/20/08 Washington Post)

And on his recent speech at the American Medical Association on June 15, 2009, President was again noting the video games as a health concern on children.

‘The second step that we can all agree on is to invest more in preventive care so that we can avoid illness and disease in the first place. That starts with each of us taking more responsibility for our health and the health of our children. It means quitting smoking, going in for that mammogram or colon cancer screening. It means going for a run or hitting the gym, and raising our children to step away from the video games…”

The Irony

President Obama’s stand on video games is really very paradoxical. He thinks that video games are bad for the children yet during the Christmas of 2008, he gave his children a Nintendo Wii. Apparently, it is speculated that Obama has been working on his bowling skills by playing Wii Sports in the Whitehouse.

The Reasons

President Obama might just be one of the parents who wants the best for their children by not letting them play any video games at all. Or maybe Obama just seriously follow the wii instructions that say, “why not take a break and go play outside?”

Whatever reasons he might have, he might as well make a clarification that video games can only be a bad habit if important things are left undone because of constant playing. After all, he must thank a lot for these video game companies for making him at least popular to the gamers.

It’s not yet too late for President Obama!

In this time of global economic recession, it is prevalent and without a doubt that video games are still being patronized by almost everyone regardless of sex, gender, and age.

People usually play these video games for a variety of reasons. Some professionals play videogames to get rid of the stress brought about from work. Students and kids play videogames in order to have fun and be able to brag to their colleagues of their levels and skills. While parents play video games in order to get a connection to their children and build a bond. But whatever the reason each of the players may be, one thing is common: playing videogames can bring about brain stimulation and players unknowingly help the country’s economy.

According to Michael Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, “Computer and video game companies play an ever increasing role in our nation’s growing economy.” He added further, “These companies and their colleagues across the nation are making entertainment software one of the fastest growing industries in the United States.”

Video Games as a Trigger

In a study conducted by Robert W. Crandall, he clarifies that “The direct contribution to the nation’s output does not reflect the total contribution of the entertainment software industry. The purchase of video game triggers the purchase of a host of complementary products, and thus the sale of software contributes indirectly to the nation’s output. “ In order to make clear  of this, we will show an example. Suppose someone bought a new videogame. The requirement of the video game is a 2G RAM and 1G Video Card. But since you only have 1G of RAM and 512MB Video Card, you have to buy a new RAM and new video card in order to use the videogame you have just purchased. In this way, the videogames triggered the player to buy other items to play the game.

Video Games as a Means to Pass up Depression

Some analysts say that the video game industry could be a silver lining in this global recession’s gloomy cloud. “During a recession, what becomes most important is the psychological not the logical,” said Hong Kong University Business School professor of marketing Gerald Gorn. “This is an activity that leaves your mind free from being pulled back to the present day realities and hardship” (Guzder, 2008).

Video Games Impact on US Economy

Economists Incorporated outlined specific contributions of the entertainment software industry on the U.S. economy. The report concluded that:

The computer and video game industry’s value added to U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2006 was $3.8 billion;

In 2003-04 and 2005-06, the industry’s contribution to real growth exceeded its share of GDP by more than four to one;

The entertainment software industry directly and indirectly employs more than 80,000 people in 31 states; and,

U.S. industry employees received total compensation of $2.2 billion.

You might wonder so what if the US Economy is boosted by the Entertainment Industry or Video Games in particular. Folks, let us all remember that world economy is directly influenced by the United States. Each of our country’s economy, whether we like it or not, is affected by the US economy.  Thus, we might as well consider that playing video games can help boost our economy.

With playing video games, we are not only helping ourselves get away from depression but we are helping also our own country get away from the global economic crisis. This is a fact.

For years, some psychologists and anti-video games groups have been telling us that video games are just junk food for the brain. Now some cultural observers and medical practitioners are taking the other view. Video games, these observers say, actually make you smarter and more alert.

Awful Truth # 1: Playing Video Games are way better than watching television!

In a number of surveys conducted by American and British psychologists, results show that the students who are reluctant to video games and prefers TV as their pastime could not perform better than students who often play video games. This means that video games are way better than the idiot box or the TV. So to the parents out there, if you want to your kids to be the cream of the crop, you must switch the television off now and let your kids play his favorite game, but off course, abide them with moderation.

Awful Truth # 2: Video Games are good for adults, Also!

A survey team at the University of Illinois hired 40 adults over 60 years old, half of whom were asked to play a computer game called Rise of Nations, a role-playing game(RPG) in which you have to build your own empire. The researchers found that video game did improve the participants’ performance and cognitive skills. Adults who are video gamers are significantly better – and faster – at switching between tasks as compared to those that are reluctant to video games. Their working memory, as reflected in the tests, was also significantly superior and their reasoning ability was better.

But just like the kids, adults should play with moderation!

Awful Truth # 3: Much alertness is at hand in playing video games than driving a car!

When playing video games, it is without a doubt that a great level of alertness and concentration is required in order to win the game. In fact, playing video games is perhaps more reflex action than anything.  You have to be able to react quickly when sudden things happen in a game you are playing.  Thus, it is said in a recent study conducted that video games requires a lot more alertness than driving a real car. This also means that you can enhance your alertness better in playing video games than riding your car. Wow, it’s great!

Amazing isn’t it?

Perhaps, one of the most influential men in the history of mankind is the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Proclaimed as “the Greatest Entertainer that Ever Lived”, “the Biggest-Selling Artist of All Time,” “the Single Most Awarded Entertainer the World has Ever Known,” “the Most Popular Artist in the History of Show Business,” and “the World’s Most Famous Man,” Michael Jackson is truly a legend.

But along this stardom, vast musical legacy, and billions of adoring fans, Michael Jackson has another activity that most people don’t know, and it’s actually about a child. I mean not the child whatsoever allegations but child video games.  Just to clarify things out.

In addition to music and music videos, Jackson was also known as a fan of videogames. Listed below are the top 4 games that are created for the legendary icon, Michael Jackson.

Moonwalker

The first videogame that was created for the King of Pop is the Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker. Moonwalker was developed by Sega for the arcades, Genesis, and Master System in 1990. The story of the game followed the plot of the Moonwalker movie, and starred Michael Jackson using music and dance powers to save kidnapped children. The game featured chiptune versions of music from the Moonwalker film as well as Jackson’s album Thriller.

Space Channel 5 and Space Channel 5: Part 2

A decade later after his first video game, Jackson showed in the rhythm games Space Channel 5 and Space Channel 5: Part 2 for the Dreamcast and PlayStation 2, starring as “Space Michael.” But Michael Jackson was given a more significant role in Part 2, where he uses his musical talents to take on against a singing robot.

Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2

The last video game where Michael Jackson appeared was in the 2000 game Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2. He appeared as himself and practiced the boxing against such real life celebrities as Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Shaquille O’Neal and Michael “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!” Buffer himself.

Unnamed MJ Video Game

According to the late singer’s own production company, MJJ Productions, a new Michael Jackson game is in progress and will be released this year.  The game will reportedly feature some of Jackson’s most memorable hits and will feature speech he recorded before his passing.

Though the debate will likely continue to rage about Michael Jackson’s bizarre life and behavior, it cannot be denied that Michael Jackson has left before us a lasting legacy in music and pervasiveness in popular culture. And videogames is one of it.

Another attestation that video games are indeed not just educational but are advantageous as well has been proved by some doctors in the United States.

A study of 33 laparoscopic surgeons found that those who played video games were 27 percent faster at advanced surgical procedures and made 37 percent fewer errors compared to those who did not play video games (Gentile, 2008).

Advanced video game skill and experience are significant predictors of suturing capabilities, the researchers found, even after controlling for sex, years of medical training and number of laparoscopic surgeries performed.

A second study of 303 laparoscopic surgeons (82 percent men; 18 percent women) also showed that surgeons who played video games requiring spatial skills and hand dexterity and then performed a drill testing these skills were significantly faster at their first attempt and across all 10 trials than the surgeons who did not the play video games first.

“The big picture is that there are several dimensions on which games have effects; including the amount they are played, the content of each game, what you have to pay attention to on the screen, and how you control the motions. Video games undeniably are but powerful educational tools and have many effects we might not have expected they could “(Gentile, 2008).

If doctors themselves say that videogames are indeed beneficial, it is as well equally true for our young children. As early as 3 years old, our kids should be exposed in this kind of activity. Parents should bear in mind that educational video games for children are designed based on the rationale that video games can help with skills such as memorizing, remembering, inducing, deducing, recognizing patterns, solving problems, and mapping.