Taking Intelligence on Board

For many of us, some of our best childhood moments were defined by playing a board game with family members, as we slowly advanced our way through the games. The laughter, sheer joy and closer bonds that each game elicited kept these memories valuable. Throughout the years, board games have become venues through which our genuine selves are revealed, as we respond emotionally and physically to friendly competition.
The oldest known board game, The Royal Game of Ur, was discovered by Sir Leonard Woolley between 1926 and 1927, after a search in the royal tombs of present-day Iraq. Today, many board games provide hands-on practice for children, allowing youngsters to encompass learning experiences before they start kindergarten. Classic board games enable potential students to gain intelligence as they are exposed to basic reading and math skills, as well as problem solving and critical thinking skills at a younger age. For example, the game of Candyland helps young children learn their colors and practice the discipline of taking turns. Chutes and Ladders teaches kids basic counting, while the game of Monopoly allows children to learn math by adding and subtracting money as well as the probability of the dice. Games such as Checkers and Chess challenge the kids’ minds, causing them to contemplate before reacting.
Board games also teach children social skills as they interact with family members and peers throughout the course of the game. Children’s patience and ability to discern the truth are tested, as sarcasm is utilized in Sorry, exposing youngsters to aspects of the world outside of their confined ones. Also, the game of Life gives kids a glimpse of what they would have to experience in the near future, revealing various routes that they can take in life.
“Board games have been a highlight of my childhood life because they were able to teach me so much about myself as well as academic and social skills,” senior Mimi Lai said.

By Features Editor Cynthia Luong