"Board" of the Info Yet?

    When the board game first came into existence, back in 3500 B.C., I don't think its creators were aware of how broad its usefulness would become. According to David Bridge, in the Journal of Political Science Education, Popular board games can be used to teach children politics and important economic functions. I do believe that board games also have the potential to teach children and young adults/teenagers the importance of managing money as well as the why's of financial responsibility.

    For example, children being taught the very basics of currency, can look to a game like Monopoly and see the different types of bills, which are all worth a different amount. But in that same game, a young adult/teenager could see what happens when a person spends too much money on properties that aren't vital to success, which could ultimately end in someone going bankrupt. However, that's just one example of a board game that can be effective in your child's education.

    I think another grouping of fair points on the effectiveness of board games stretches back to Bridge's article, where he states:

       

"Board games can be especially adept at simulating institutional politics. If institutions are structured by the ‘‘rules of the game,’’ then structuring the rules of a board game can simulate those very institutions (Asal and Blake 2006; Lightcap 2009). In addition, they can serve as a nice break from the routine lecture=discussion, as well as help kinesthetic learners, who learn best through, literally, hands-on methods. Finally, off-the-shelf board games can help foster a good learning environment that can pay dividends for the rest of the semester." (p. 188)

    But isn't it sort of difficult to come up with a different ruleset for established board games like Risk, Monopoly, or even Scrabble?

    The answer is yes! Which is why you probably haven't heard of changing the rules in a game to meet the educative needs of your child.

    Don't worry, there is a glimmer of hope if you decided to pursue this endeavor. After cleaning off some of the dust from one of the board games in your house, you can consider leaving the rule changing to the professionals. Or maybe become one yourself.

    Brandon Rollins, the creator of brandonthegamedev.com, has come up with a lesson plan of sorts to help students of all ages to think about what it takes to change board game rules or even make brand new ones (2019).

    This useful information in the production of healthy board game education is insightful, especially during our pandemic, stay-at-home, "teach your own dang kids," lifestyles.

    In closing, there are some really valuable uses for the old board games in your house, definitely by means of education, but I think if you were to grab the games and think about the history, along with the enjoyment that has been shared in countless hours of family fun, you would find an even greater use for those games; a way to connect with the ones you love.

    Have a grand and blessed day,                                                                                                              

    The Redfox