Develop critical thinking: games support learning

The goal of education is not to have our children parrot back to us memorized answers, but to actively engage their minds in formulating an answer on their own device. To analyze the data using skills we have taught them. To examine different scenarios and possible outcomes. To use reasoning, logic, facts and their own moral and personal beliefs to come to a conclusion. In short...to develop critical thinking. Games can support this kind of learning by providing an open-ended environment and encouraging the players to make independent decisions.

This isn't an easy concept to teach. It's relatively simple to spit out an answer you've memorized...it's harder to understand why that is the answer. When teachers and parents are trying to encourage higher cognitive processes such as comprehension and inference, conflict is bound to happen. These are tough ideas. But kids games, educational props and other toys can help ease this difficult transition into a more mature brain.

Educators should start young, with simple classification classroom games. Naming skills are significant in forming vocabulaly and language, and eventually to reading and more advanced processes. Once a child has the language, they begin to group objects, which is the first effort in learning abstract concepts. This leads to even more complex applications, such as word plays and symbolism. Essential for all subjects from English to math to science, educational products like manipulatives, critical thinking games and pretend play can help any caregiver to begin to teach the long process of logical thinking.

Beyondtheblackboard.com carries a variety of stimulating kids games, educational tools and toys. Here are just a few examples of some of the top-rated products available:

• Books (Reading Detectives and Logic Links) help illustrate challenging concepts and encourage problem-solving skills.
• Puzzles and BrainTeasers (Mind Benders Double Ring) teach patience and persistence.
• Board and Card Games (Wordigo and Deluxe Rook) encourage strategy and critical thinking.
• Manipulatives (Rubik's Cube and Blik Blok) help visual acuity and fine motor skills.
• Environmental Habitats (Ant Farm and Hermit Crab Cove) illustrate science and the natural world.

These are just a few of the language, math, and science educational products you can find at Beyondtheblackboard.com.