Parents today are always seeking ways to entertain the family that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Afraid their children are spending too much time in front of a screen of one sort or another they may dismiss game shows as a waste of time. However, watching them together as a family has many benefits.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “The family that plays together, stays together.” Sitting down with a healthy snack to watch and get involved proves this theory.
Making a habit of watching your favorite game show together every day as a family gives everyone a sense of stability and gives them something to look forward to.
Kids can practice math while keeping score and never think of it as learning. The lesson of good sportsmanship while laughing together makes for a fun, happy bonding experience.
Since everyone thinks of it as only a game, you enjoy the friendly competition. When you are relaxed you retain more of what you have learned.
“Jeopardy” is a great way to learn about geography, world events, literature, and a myriad of other categories.
You may not know the answer, but you will remember it when it is revealed. You’ll probably be surprised by what your kids do know! Many learning institutes use a Jeopardy-like format when teaching classes.
“Wheel of Fortune” is another great way to have fun and learn at the same time. Many parents have shared how their children learned their letters by watching it.
Watching the letters appear in the correct box can also motivate them to learn spelling, sentence structure and vocabulary. The visual stimulation also helps with retention.
Watching a game show like “Deal or No Deal” will not only let your child brush up on their math skills, but will also let then think about how to figure the odds involved.
As they pick a suitcase they will need to decide whether a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush or if there is a good time to take a gamble. They may learn the pros and cons of risky behavior and how big of a risk they are willing to take.
So don’t just dismiss game shows, instead embrace the idea that they really can be a good way to learn, have fun, and keep the family together.
