Benefits of Game-Based Learning for 5-6-year-olds

Benefits of Game-Based Learning for 5-6-year-olds

When people generally think of “play” they think of fun and games…something simply for amusement and nothing more. However, there is a bigger, and more important, piece that is often overlooked…learning. As Kay Redfield Jamison said, “Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.”

The same is true for game-based learning. When parents hear this term, they think that their children will only be “playing games” and that no learning will be involved. What a lot do not understand is that game-based learning helps children develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially, all at the same time. And better yet, when information is learned in a fun way, children retain it better and want to continue to participate in the activities.

For 5 and 6-year old’s, specifically, they are at a unique growth period in their life. They are refined in their gross motor skills but are still establishing a foundation in basic fundamental skills. Physically, they still lack a lot of strength. Intellectually, they have a hard time retaining information beyond three commands. Emotionally they act silly when they are nervous or excited, but their confidence is built through making role models proud. Socially, they enjoy the spotlight but tend to lack proper sportsmanship.

After years of research on the stages of child development and learning the Basic SKILLZ program was created. This program is geared towards developing the basic fundamental skills that 5 and 6-year old’s are lacking. By creating a program that incorporates 4-dimensional instruction, students improve in all developmental stages, all the while, having fun! Coupled with this is a game-based approach to learning that is implemented. This method helps the students become fully engaged in learning because they are “playing a game” and having fun.

For example, one of the drills called “Taking Turns” requires that the students are partnered up. During the directions for the drill, the instructor gives the students a few steps to remember in order to complete the drill correctly. This helps this age group by giving them multiple steps to remember but in a fun way that will be easily retained. Socially, they are working with a partner and focused on good sportsmanship and teamwork. Physically the drill requires the students to perform 20 front kicks, which helps build their strength. Emotionally, by doing these things correctly, they are receiving positive feedback from the instructors which builds their confidence.

By implementing game-based learning into a holistic approach to child development, students associate learning with a strong positive emotion, which helps them retain information better. They are improving the skills necessary for their stage of the development but doing it while having fun. It’s a dual process…it’s fun for them but they are gaining valuable skills as well.

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Want to Learn More?  Contact Us:  614-899-9033

Koguryo Martial Arts Academy
6015 S Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH

www.koguryoma.com
koguryomartialarts.hq@gmail.com

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GAME-BASED LEARNING 3-4yrs

GAME-BASED LEARNING

The Benefits of Game-Based Learning for 3-4-year-olds

Play is often overlooked as a learning tool for children. Dictionary.com defines play as “engaging in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.” It is seen as a type of “free time” when nothing else important is happening. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. For 3 to 4-year old’s, play is vital to their overall development and learning.

Children between the ages of 3 and 4 years old are growing physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially, at a very rapid rate. They are discovering new things daily and are attempting to navigate the world with very little information and abilities. Because of this, it is important that they are involved in activities that help develop them in all areas, or what the SKILLZ program calls “4-dimensional instruction.”

As Maria Montessori best said it, “Play is the work of the child.” Children learn best through play and, therefore, game-based learning is a major contributor to learning and retention. But not only does it stimulate the brain, but game-based learning also enhances social skills, builds emotional confidence, and develops children physically. This whole child approach to development and learning is exactly what 3 to 4-year old’s need.

After years of research, the SKILLZ program was created with this approach in mind. The curriculum for 3 and 4-year old’s was developed with more emphasis on building early fundamental skills training with a strategic balance of Martial Arts. With this innovative curriculum, the SKILLZ program uses game-based learning to take learning to a whole new level.

There are numerous benefits to this innovative way of learning. For 3 and 4- year old’s, participating in a program that utilizes this approach, gives them a jump start into enhancing their brain structure and function, developing social skills, and better control their strong emotions, all the while, building a stronger body.

As the SKILLZ program focuses on building the 8 early skills for 3-4-year-olds using martial arts as the approach, the system of game-based learning makes this learning process easier. The games are balanced in that they are fun but teach early developmental concepts at the same time. All SKILLZ games and drills are approached in this way. This, coupled with the teaching skills and the 10 laws of instruction, make the benefits of game-based learning even better.

For example, one drill for the 3 and 4-year old’s is “Helping Each Other.” In this drill, the students are partnered up to hold kicking pads for each other. They are to shake hands and say, “Do your best.” During this drill, they are physically working on kicks to help with their muscle development. Intellectually, they are utilizing their language to communicate with their partner. Emotionally, they are giving and receiving positive words of encouragement. Socially, it helps them by working together during the drill.

Children are more focused on games than any other form of learning. Because they are excited about “playing” they are more motivated and put forth more effort. With game-based learning, 3 and 4- year old’s will have more opportunities to gain more physical strength and control, increase their language development, learn to control their emotions, and communicate better with others.

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Want to Learn More?  Contact Us:  614-899-9033

Koguryo Martial Arts Academy
6015 S Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH

www.koguryoma.com
koguryomartialarts.hq@gmail.com

www.facebook/KoguryoMartialArts/