Before the technology revolution, kids played outside most of the time. They even played in the streets and after dark. Today, both technological advancements and safety concerns have driven children indoors. With Covid-19, many parents may have dug into their own childhood memories to find ways to entertain their kids. Kids used to play all kinds of games. From brain games like Rubik’s cubes to outdoor games like Red Rover, kids had no shortage of entertainment. Today, there are new versions of games and most of them require a computer or mobile device. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s just different from when some of us were kids. There are so many great games that kids used to play. Some of them are likely still being played in some form. Here is a look at some of the great old school games that kids used to love. Rubik’s Cubes Kids still play this today. It was very popular at one stage. It is a great game for developing problem-solving skills. Many people have battled with the cube to get all the colors aligned. Red Rover This was one of the most popular playground and camp games. The words ‘Red Rover, Red Rover, send Jimmy right over’, hold many fun memories for kids who grew up in the 80s. The game is played with a group of people divided into two groups. Each side hold hands and whoever is called over needs to try and get through the chain of kids. Not so easy. Double Dutch In some countries, there used to be serious Double Dutch competitions and tournaments. Two kids hold a pair of jump ropes and swing them. A third kid then ‘jumps in’ and tries to jump as long as possible. This is great for developing coordination and muscle memory. The choreography sections of competitions also required some creativity. Simon Says This is another game that is still played by some kids today. It is good for different reasons. It requires mental skills like listening and comprehending and then responding or not responding in the right way. It also develops balance and hand-eye-coordination. Board Games Board games are still popular today, but it needs to be mentioned. Board games are great for developing different mental skills like deduction, problem-solving, strategizing, and memory. Today, most games are played on electronic devices. They still offer great opportunities for mental development, though. However, the physical development is a bit harder. Some console games require actual physical participation, but not many. Kids may need to incorporate some of the old school outdoor games to develop coordination and motor skills. Games really have the potential to help kids learn while having fun. They often don’t even know that they are exercising or developing their mental abilities. Try playing some of these old school games and see how much fun kids of today can still have with them. It is also good for the grownups to dust off the cobwebs and get moving.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good game? Kids definitely enjoy games, and this is why it is a great way for them to learn. It is also a great way for adults to learn. There are so many games in so many different formats and themes that anyone can have fun learning something new. Games are especially effective in classrooms. They are being employed more and more. Why are games great for learning? Here are some of the reasons. Games are Fun For most people, learning is synonymous with boring. When using games to learn or teach, this is not true. Games inherently require some fun to be had. Whether it is the competitive element or the creativity or the people, everyone enjoys a game. When learning is fun, children forget that they are learning and just perform the tasks. Games Engage People It is a lot easier to get people involved in a game than in a lecture. People will naturally be drawn to games. For children, playing games is basically all they want to do. So, engaging them will be no problem. Games just invite people and allow them to play. Games are interesting. Games Allow for Creativity While playing games, players often need to get creative. Solving a puzzle or a mystery requires creativity. Inventing a game requires creativity. Finding new ways to do something or do it faster than another team requires creativity. Some games may even require writing a story or drawing which is also creative. Creativity is a very important skill to have. Games Develop a Variety of Skills The limitless options, themes, stories, rules, etcetera, means that almost any skill can be developed. Both old school and modern games employ tactics for skills development. Some only focus on the physical or the mental. Others require the use of both. Games are fantastic for developing hand-eye-coordination, fine and gross motor skills, memory, problem-solving, creative thinking, analytical thinking, and language. They can also help with focus, following instructions, connecting with people, reading maps, following clues, and so much more. Games Offer Variety As mentioned earlier, the options are limitless. Everyone has their own interests and things they enjoy. It doesn’t matter whether the game is for a child or an adult, there is something for everyone. Modern mobile games, for example, range from war games to word games to object-find games and basics like Solitaire. It is quite clear that games are one of the best ways to learn. Clever teachers can create games or use existing games to make learning so much fun that kids will never want to stop. Games also make it easier for adults to learn. By presenting information in different ways and employing different techniques and creativity, everyone can enjoy learning through games. 

Mental agility has to do with how easily the brain can absorb new information and adapt to change. It involves skills like memory, recognition, deduction, strategy, problem-solving, and creativity. The more agile a brain is, the better able the person is to handle problems, life changes, and new technology. Developing and improving mental agility is important for all ages. For younger kids, the focus is more on developing these skills. They need to learn how to adapt, think, be creative, and solve problems. Adults already have most of these skills to some extent. Some more than others for different reasons. So, for adults it is more about improving mental agility. Playing games is a great way to develop and improve mental agility. Try some of these things to get that brain going. Read More Reading remains one of the best exercises for the brain for so many reasons. Reading improves vocabulary, imagination, and creativity. It stimulates the brain in different ways and makes those neurons keep firing. No matter what the topic and whether it is a novel or a hobby magazine, read more. Play Brain Training Games The advantage of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets is mobile games. There is a multitude of brain training games available for free. These games are developed to target and improve specific mental skills like memory and problem-solving. This is the best way to train the brain and have fun at the same time. Complete Crossword Puzzles Crossword puzzles are also considered games to some. Completing these puzzles are great for different skills. They require using memory, deduction, making connections, and more. They also improve general knowledge and vocabulary. Complete Sudoku Puzzles Sudoku puzzles are another great option for keeping the mind agile. These puzzles are available in books, online, and as mobile games. Find them where its most convenient and complete them whenever and wherever. Get Creative Creativity is one of the best and most unique skills that humans have. Everyone uses their creativity in their own way. Start doing something that is creative and enjoyable. For some people it will be writing a book or making clothes or baking cakes. For others it will be learning to dance or solving difficult mathematical problems. Yes, math can be creative. There are so many games and other ways in which people can work on their mental agility. Doing these things and playing these games will help people when they are older. Good mental agility is a strong weapon against the changing world and all the problems it brings. It is also the best way to stay alert and fight of conditions like Alzheimer’s.