[email protected], 620-244-3826
Did You Know?
Board games can help people learn important soft skills like self-control, confidence, communication, getting along with others, and solving problems. These are the kinds of skills that help us do well at school, at home, at work, and in everyday life.
Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills
There are two kinds of skills we all need: soft skills and hard skills. Both are important, but they help us in different ways.
Soft skills are about how we act and how we treat others. They include being kind, staying calm, listening, working with a team, and solving problems. These skills help us handle change and get along with people everywhere—at school, at home, or at work.
Hard skills are things we learn to do, like using a computer, reading a map, or doing math. These are usually taught in school or through practice. They help us complete tasks and do jobs.
While hard skills can change over time, soft skills always matter. Today, soft skills are not just “nice to have”—they’re something we must have to succeed.
How Board Games Help Kids Learn and Grow
Board games are not just fun—they help kids practice soft skills while playing! Here’s how board games help kids grow:
- Self-Control & Patience
Sometimes in games, you lose a turn or get a bad card. This teaches kids to stay calm, wait their turn, and keep trying even when it’s hard. - Confidence & Feelings
Board games help kids feel proud of themselves. They learn that trying their best is more important than winning and that it’s okay to make mistakes. - Making Friends & Feeling Happy
Playing games with others can help kids feel less lonely. It’s a fun way to make friends, spend time with family, and feel good inside. - Talking & Listening
Games give kids a chance to practice speaking clearly and kindly. They also learn to listen carefully and follow directions or rules. - Getting Along with Others
In games, everyone has to take turns and sometimes work as a team. Kids learn how to share, be fair, and solve problems together. - Thinking & Solving Problems
Many games make kids think hard, remember the rules, and make smart choices. They also learn to change their plans if something unexpected happens.
Working together helps close the job skills gap.
To help people get ready for future jobs, everyone needs to work as a team—businesses, teachers, families, and leaders. Soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication have become even more important.
Board games are a fun and powerful way to help people learn these skills. When families, schools, and communities use games to teach, they give kids and adults the tools they need to do well in school, at work, and in everyday life.
This article is the final one in a three-part series and comes from information in the Bonding Thru Board Games fact sheets. For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826, or visit https://www.southwind.k-state.edu/home-family/family_child_development/
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
