The Benefits of Playing Board Games with Young Children

Builds Communication & Language Skills

When children play games with adults, they hear new words, practise listening, and learn how to express themselves.

They develop skills such as:

– Taking turns to speak

– Understanding and following instructions

– Using new vocabulary like roll, match, count, move, next

Supports Thinking, Memory & Early Maths

Board games naturally build early cognitive and mathematical skills. Children practise:

– Counting dots on dice or spaces on a board

– Recognising numbers, colours and shapes

– Remembering rules

– Making simple decisions and solving problems

Helps with Emotions & Behaviour

Games provide gentle practice in managing feelings, especially with an adult’s support. Children learn:

– Coping with frustration

– Handling winning and losing

– Patience and self‑control

Strengthens Relationships

Playing together gives children your full attention. It helps build trust, strengthen bonds, and create joyful moments.

Develops Fine Motor Skills

Picking up pieces, turning cards and moving counters supports hand–eye coordination and strengthens finger muscles for writing and self‑care tasks.

EYFS Links

Board games support Communication & Language, Personal, Social & Emotional Development, Mathematics, and Physical Development.

Here are some photographs of the games we have played with staff in nursery this week…..