Everyone should be included in board game play

Preparing kids for the 21st century means using tools they already engage with. The board game market showed significant growth in 2020 and continues to grow yearly. The gaming industry increased in popularity during the pandemic. Statista stated that in 2022, “Worldwide, almost 82 percent of internet users were gamers.”

As parents and educators, we can no longer ignore the sensation that is gaming. We must embrace the benefits that include (but are not limited to) critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and creativity—all skills necessary for 21st-century living.

Game-based learning is not an addition to what you’re already doing; it’s a compliment!

Students can either learn new concepts or apply the concepts learned through board games. Research shows that board games meet the AASL Standards for 21st-century learning and Bloom’s Taxonomy of learning.

Further, board games can target subject-specific curriculum goals.

This video series focuses on offline games: good old-fashioned board games that gather family, friends, and classmates around a table while building on those same 21st-century skills—all while ensuring the inclusion of all players.

I chose the board game types for their availability and accessible pricing. Many of these games have dollar store versions that I recommend looking into first.

There is a second-hand board games market that I encourage you to explore—either online or at your local thrift store. Don’t forget about garage sales, too!

Great question! Most of the suggestions are just that—suggestions. They are meant to inspire you to look around and use what you already own, like parts from toys or other games.

However, it’s a good idea to have:

• Transparent loop and hook dots (of various sizes) and strips (they sometimes come in rolls)
• Access to a printer or photocopier
• A variety of dice—with dots, numerals, and of different sizes (you can swap from other games)
• Painter’s tape of various colors

You can find many of these items at your local dollar store.

Board games are great for learning because, once set up and running, they address multiple learning goals—saving time in the long run!

Further, using sturdy board games ensures the games last longer than printed materials that require constant preparation.

Every game session offers a unique learning opportunity.

There’s a misconception that board games are only deemed “educational” if they are subject-specific games like math, science, or phonics games. This is untrue! All games are educational, and I share how so in this series.

I have done this myself. I invest in a course and then forget about it.

If seeing the excitement and progress in your learners isn’t enough to motivate you, I will send you a series of emails after purchase to remind you and keep you accountable.

The good news is I’ve got you covered! The package includes a checklist of the entire series to help keep you on track.

You will receive access to our members-only Educator’s Lounge immediately upon purchase.

You will be asked to enter a username and password.

Once you’re in, you will find the 10 videos, workbook, and transcripts waiting for you.

I suggest beginning with the introduction to get oriented on the entire course. But you are welcome to hop around to what you need most. You can view any of the videos anytime, however many times you’d like!

There are no refunds on digital products. Also, I’m sure you will get plenty of value from this series and won’t be disappointed.

You will get lifetime access to this video series. “Lifetime” means the videos will be available for as long as this business (GabriellaVolpe.com) is still operating. However, you can immediately download and keep the supplemental materials forever and ever and ever!