Buzz
Educational games might not always seem fun at first, but we assure you (and your child) that the right ones can be. iStockphoto/Thinkstock.It’s true—kids spend a lot of time playing video games. Researchers at MIT have found that 8th grade girls spend an average of 12 hours per week gaming, while teen boys log a massive 23 hours weekly. While some parents view this as a waste, others see it as an opportunity to enhance education and sharpen important skills through interactive tools that kids enjoy.
Even the best educational games won't be effective if your kids aren't interested. The trick is finding games that blend learning with fun, creating a framework that motivates kids to keep playing. Skip the repetitive drills and check out these five exciting titles that will make learning enjoyable while they play on the computer.
Turn the page to discover how a familiar villain from your childhood has sharpened her skills to challenge a new generation.
5: The "Carmen Sandiego" Series
The thrill of catching Ms. Sandiego never fades, no matter where she may be lurking in the world. Comstock Images/Thinkstock.The elusive Carmen Sandiego, the mysterious globetrotter from your childhood, remains untraceable—and now your kids get to track her down. The "Carmen Sandiego" games, a beloved educational series from the '80s, continue to captivate kids today. These detective games, designed for elementary and middle schoolers, let children solve mysteries or chase down Sandiego (or another villain) around the globe. With an educational focus on geography, history, reading comprehension, and problem-solving, the newest releases also incorporate math challenges. For example, kids might need to arrange numbered columns in order or solve math puzzles within a time limit to progress. Young fans of the games can also enjoy related books, TV shows, and board games from the series.
4: "The Oregon Trail"
The incredibly engaging "Oregon Trail" games challenge players to survive a journey across the Oregon trail by covered wagon in the mid-1800s. Along the way, players confront obstacles like starvation, drowning, and dysentery as they lead their families toward a new life in the West. Originally designed to bring history to life for elementary students, this classic game has been updated for today's audience, with versions for PC, various gaming consoles, and even Facebook. "The Oregon Trail" series enhances kids' history and geography knowledge while teaching problem-solving skills, such as understanding the consequences of their decisions.
The first "Oregon Trail" game was developed in 1971 by three teachers. It was a text-based game, with no sound or graphics.
3: "Crayon Physics"
Crayons and computers may not seem like a natural combination, but in this case, they work perfectly together. iStockphoto/ThinkstockIn this deceptively simple game, players must use physics principles to guide a ball through obstacles that appear to be drawn by a child. Tools can be drawn with a mouse, trackball, or stylus (for touchscreen devices) to help steer the ball in the right direction. As objects are drawn, they interact with the ball according to physics laws, teaching kids about motion, energy, and gravity. For instance, if stairs are drawn, the ball will realistically bounce down them, with its momentum depending on their height and angle. There's no single right way to complete each level, which encourages children to experiment and be creative. Younger kids will enjoy the basic version, while older kids can explore the deluxe version that lets them design and share custom levels in an online interactive playground.
2: "Itzabitza"
Your child has the chance to bring her drawings to life in "Itzabitza." Hemera/ThinkstockAt first glance, "Itzabitza" might seem like just a fun, simple drawing program. But after watching your child play, you'll realize it's much more. Designed for children ages 4 to 8, this game encourages kids to learn to read by drawing pictures and objects. As the child draws, the game brings their creations to life using the unique "Living Ink" technology. Even a basic rocket ship will launch, and a child's drawing of a cloud can produce enough rain to make the game characters grab umbrellas. While playing, kids not only improve reading comprehension but also develop problem-solving, creativity, and logic skills. Once your child has mastered "Itzabitza," try its companion game, "Itzazoo," to keep them engaged.
1: "FutureU"
Why should young children have all the fun? Forget about the boring flashcards and practice tests—try "FutureU," an entertaining SAT prep game from Kaplan. This game adapts the company’s well-known SAT prep curriculum for both PC and Mac users, offering mini-games that help students sharpen their reading, writing, and math skills. It's arguably the most enjoyable way to get ready for the dreaded SAT, and there's even a section dedicated to improving test-taking skills. Best of all, the game can be played in short bursts, so students can squeeze in a few minutes of educational fun whenever they have the time.
Kids can also learn through gaming design. The New York City Public School System uses a program called Gamestar Mechanic, where children apply math and science principles to design and personalize their own video games.
