How can playing board games help dyslexic learners?
With multi-sensory learning being a huge hit for dyslexic learners, it makes sense then that using board games to learn could well come with benefits. Let’s look at five great reasons why this could be the case.
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1) Board games are inclusive.
Anyone who likes board games know that so often the best board games are the ones with more people playing them. So it stands to reason that whilst one would have to like the concept of the game (which is often a subjective element rather than an intellectual element) , most people can have a lot of fun with playing these games regardless of the nature of any issues with dyslexia. In a very general sense (as there will be some games which may play to the weaknesses of someone with dyslexia) , most board games should be safe territory in terms of interacting with peers and enjoying some fun. This helps to reduce social anxiety, build confidence and boost self-esteem.
2) Board games are fun thus promoting engagement.
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Fun is a key factor for building engagement at school. When I was at school, my class re-enacted the Battle of Hastings. We found out about what the Normans and the Anglo Saxons wore in battle and we all made our own costumes and weapons and then had loads of fun exploring the history. I can picture it in my head now and remember some elements of the history lesson behind the activity. In much the same way, using board games to learn is fun and somehow reduces the barriers to engagement with learning.
3) Board games promote dyslexic strengths.
Big picture thinking, working with strategy and having great interpersonal skills have often been thought of as dyslexic strengths. With the inclusive nature of board games, they present an opportunity to develop those strengths in a safe and engaging environment.
4) Board games can be an essential part of multi-sensory learning.
We all know that board games can be used for learning. They all seem to have some topic at the centre of the game play so using board games with educational content that involves kinaesthetic, visual and audible experiences will only serve to help that all important learning content to be absorbed.
5) Board games can be used to revise in a fun way.
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We all know how boring revising over lists of facts are, dyslexic or not. So if you can find games for your dyslexic learner which will help to lodge essential facts in their minds then it has to be worth a try. We have to remember that not everyone is the same and of course, no two dyslexic learners have exactly the same educational needs or challenges, so being open to trying different ways of learning is really important to see which strategy works.
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