Friday Game Day!
/Each Friday, the Whales spend their Classroom Choice time playing some pretty fabulous dice and card games. Studies have shown that children who play games at an early age strengthen more than just their academic aptitude. When children play games they practice important Executive Functioning skills such as:
•The ability to pay attention. Whose turn is next? What did the other player just do?
•Practice in turn-taking. Children learn patience and skills in self-regulation as they wait for their turn.
•The ability to organize, plan and prioritize. Should I put my cards in numerical order first? What card would make the most sense to play first? Second?
•Build stamina. When you start a game, others are relying on you to finish with them. While you are playing, it’s important to stay focused on the game, and the task at hand.
•Regulate emotions. Children are given the opportunity to “lose gracefully” and ”win humbly”. The process of winning and losing gives children a greater sense of empathy.
•Games give children the opportunity to experience actions and consequences (cause-and-effect) in a closed and safe environment.
Most Importantly, our Whales have heaps of fun together!
