Summer is here and the kids are at home. This is a great time to demonstrate how you parents can use the Xbox® video game system to teach your children while they are playing. Yes, that's right, while they're playing. Xbox can teach children and entertain at the same time, making it an even more invaluable piece of hardware in your family's living room.
Teach Children with Xbox Games The Xbox console offers everything that parents need to teach while allowing children to have fun at the same time. Most games for younger children are basic platform games that will teach hand and eye coordination, problem solving, and basic math skills. The Xbox you already have in your home can help your children learn some valuable skills, even while school is out.
Learning by Playing? Now I've Heard Everything! It's been proven time and time again that children learn by visual cues, especially when they are interested in the subject. Children encounter well-known characters in cartoons and popular movies. Since there are plenty of games based on these TV shows and films, why not take something your child is already interested in and use it to do more than entertain?
Many games have good story lines and are almost like reading a book, but are more interactive. Not only do they challenge the mind through various puzzles, plot twists, and interesting dialogue, but they also teach the player how to follow the story, point out important facts, and give a sense of accomplishment when completed.
These types of story-driven games, such as role-playing games, action-adventure, and even some of the better third- and first-person shooters, aren't always for every age group. But there are titles available for everyone, no matter what skill level or age. Mentally stimulating games are perfect for children. It's wise to introduce your kids to a variety of different types of games to see which ones they enjoy and which ones they learn from the most.
In the case of a younger child, a selection of games from the family genre usually works nicely. These games are geared specifically toward younger players. They will teach your child patience, how to think before reacting, and ways to improve his hand-eye coordination. It's always a pleasure to see children accomplish certain goals within the game, or show skills by beating out their parents in a good old-fashioned multiplayer match.
Sports titles are also very well-suited for children. In addition to providing some fantastic graphics and gameplay, they will also teach your child the rules of the game more clearly. However, we recommend staying away from extreme sports titles for younger children.
Meet the New Teacher Here is where you as a parent need to know what interests your children. Do they like SpongeBob SquarePants or Shrek? Chances are that Xbox has a game based on their favorite the movie or cartoon already. The same can be said for your children's favorite sports. While simply playing a game with your children will not automatically result in a learning experience, it's fairly easy to communicate with your kids and find out what they find interesting. Then spend time playing those game titles that appeal to them.
Allow your kids to play the game, but be there to help when they get stuck. Not only will you have fun yourself, but your children will start to learn those skills mentioned earlier. Just a few hours of Xbox time with your kids can help them start to learn the skills they need for the coming school year. They will pick up some valuable social, problem-solving, sharing, and math skills, and will also think they have the coolest parents around because you play Xbox with them.
The trick is to take time and allow your children to ask questions while you're playing the games with them. Also, make sure to ask questions yourself. This will help your kids develop the ability to think through how things work and help them expand their own curiosity. Nothing beats that feeling of spending quality time with your children while helping them learn new things.
There are several simple ways to find out what games are available that will match your child's interests. The best resource available is the Family section right here on Xbox.com.
Xbox Is Fun, Too! Although Xbox can be used to teach, you need to know when to use it as a teaching aid and when to use it strictly for fun. Balance is the key, and knowing how long to engage in teaching and when to just be Mom or Dad is vital. You want to be able to use the Xbox as a teaching aid, but that shouldn't be its sole purpose. In other words, mix it up and make gaming fun and new each time.
The Xbox offers games, of course, but it also plays DVDs and can be used to play and sing songs. This cool technology is more than just a gaming console; it's also a useful tool for teaching your child. Stay tuned to learn other useful teaching techniques from Xbox Solution, right here at Xbox.com.
