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Games That Enhance Intelligence
Play is the most effective tool for children to learn concepts that cannot be directly taught. During play, children express their emotions and thoughts, learn to solve problems through trial and error, and gain experience in taking calculated risks.
When we talk about attention, intelligence, and strategy games, we often think of LEGO, puzzles, and chess. However, there are games, particularly developed by academics, that stimulate various regions of the brain. Research has shown that intelligence and mind games not only enhance children’s cognitive development but also improve their critical thinking skills. Among these studies, the work of Dr. Silvia Bunge from the University of California, Berkeley, stands out. Her research, spanning an 8-week period with sessions of 1 to 1.5 hours twice a week, revealed that children’s IQ scores increased by an average of 13 points. The study concluded that, regardless of initial IQ levels, engaging regularly with intelligence games over a few months can significantly boost cognitive abilities.
Five Key Concepts to Understand Before Playing
Through intelligence games lessons, children can develop skills such as spatial awareness, concentration, identifying logical errors, matching, estimation, long-term strategy development, quick thinking, problem-solving, tactic creation, and abstract thinking.
- Spatial Awareness:
Enhances the ability to form new mental images, visualize changes or movements, and conceptualize spatial relationships. This skill enables children to think and draw conclusions faster based on spatial relationships. - Critical Thinking:
Many students are unaware of why they learn certain information or where they will use it in the future. Intelligence games foster critical thinking by encouraging the selection, organization, and application of information. - Analytical Thinking:
Breaks down a subject into its core components, then establishes connections between these parts to reach conclusions more effectively. - Creative Thinking:
“If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking much.” Those who think creatively and present unique perspectives often achieve great success. Intelligence games enhance the ability to experiment with different approaches and practice innovative problem-solving. - Exploring Alternative Solutions:
Through games, children can identify and define problems, recognize various approaches, develop strategies, discover alternative solutions, and apply problem-solving skills in real-life situations.
Are You Ready to Play?
Dear readers, each month, we will share selected intelligence and mind games that we have described in detail. These games can be used not only by you and your children but also to enhance family interactions.
Two Logic-Enhancing Games
Among the logic-enhancing games suitable for children aged seven and above are Numbers and Colours. Both games offer similar skill development opportunities and can be used as classroom tools or played at home or with friends. These games not only stimulate the mind but also help players develop logical thinking skills over time.
Numbers – Intelligence and Mind Game
Numbers is not just an intelligence game; it is also a comprehensive math education set. It introduces numbers, teaches basic arithmetic operations, and develops logical reasoning, elimination, and matching skills. What sets this game apart from other math-based games is its ability to teach mathematical concepts and reasoning through play. Numbers is an unparalleled educational tool that teachers can easily incorporate into their classrooms to enhance students’ learning experiences.
To excel at this game, understanding the relationships among the eight directions is essential. Next, players should grasp the concept of the nine determinant positions within a matrix and consistently practice logical thinking.
Colours – Intelligence and Mind Game
Colours is one of the rare games that simultaneously develops photographic memory and logical reasoning. It enhances skills like sustained attention and photographic memory awareness, contributing to children’s academic success while promoting collective family engagement at home.
The rules for Colours and Numbers are identical. After placing the pieces in the correct positions according to the instructions, only one piece should occupy each square. Pieces cannot be stacked, placed on marked areas, or on sections with a “*” symbol. Start by choosing the correct first position. If it’s occupied, continue evaluating until you find the right spot.