Children love to play. Instead of running around with no direction, they may be taught a variety of games such as parlor games, active games, and others which they could learn. They learn while playing.

According to Bulgelski, learning is a mental activity by means of which knowledge, skills habits, attitudes and ideals are acquired, retained and utilized resulting in the progressive adaptation of conduct and behavior. As far as the behaviorists are concerned, learning is any changes in the behavior of organisms.

In Thorndike Association Theory, particularly The Law of Effect, he states that when a modifiable connection between a stimulus and response has been made, it is strengthened if it results in satisfaction and weakens if it leads to annoyance. In connection with this, if games are associated in the classroom discussion the learning process can easily achieve for students are fond of games and it is satisfying on their part. Thus, games have great impact or effect in the learning of the students. Setting good classroom atmosphere, child-centered discussions associated with game then students learn more.

Games have long been employed as a means of education. in the early 19th century, came the creation of Kindergarten by Friedrich Fröbel, which was based on learning through play. Children delighted in his Fröbel Gifts, simple educational toys such as blocks, sewing kits, clay, and weaving materials. Game based learning (GBL) is a type of game play that has defined learning outcomes. Generally, game based learning is designed to balance subject matter with game play and the ability of the player to retain and apply said subject matter to the real world.

Games are interactive play that teaches us goals, rules, adaptation, problem solving, interaction, all represented as a story. They give us the fundamental needs of learning by providing – enjoyment, passionate involvement, structure, motivation, ego gratification, adrenaline, creativity, social interaction and emotion.

Children are taught to play games at an early age.  Games teach children patience, social interaction, negotiation, strategy, how to win and lose gracefully, mental stimulation, mental and physical confidence that keep us healthy.  Games attract us because they are fun!  Children learn about goals and the steps necessary to win a game.  Whether it is concentration, paying attention to details such as rules, your opponent, or learning new skills.

Playing games is important for all the positive traits we learn from playing them.  The most important is learning how to win and apply or adapt that knowledge to other parts of our lives. 

Reference:

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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            Reviewer for the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) Second Edition, Cecilio D. Duka

By: Rosecelle S. Biglang-awa | Teacher I | Bagumbayan Elementary School | Pilar Bataan