Educational games are one of the most appealing and effective ways to make learning more enjoyable for kids. Whether you’re a teacher or a carer to neurodivergent children or you’re looking for solutions for your own kids, you may wonder ‘what are some educational games to suit unique and curious young minds?

An educational game is a game designed with an educational purpose or possessing educational value, often one that teaches specific skills. So what are some educational games you’re likely to know? Famous examples abound and include household names like Pictionary, Jenga, Minecraft and Roblox. From homes to classrooms to day care centres and clinics, educational games are everywhere once you start to look.  Game-based learning has been shown to increase motivation in kids and encourage collaboration and critical thinking.

Australia’s ultimate toy destination for neurodivergent kids, Sister Sensory has educational games and other sensory educational toys for all ages. If you’re shopping for sensory toys online, you’re in the right place. If you need some inspiration for games to introduce to the young learners in your life, this article is for you.

How do educational games benefit children with special needs?

 Educational games help spark enthusiasm for learning in all types of children. Yet for kids with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, anxiety and other conditions, they have some particular benefits including:

• Teaching social skills through teamwork and collaboration.
• Stimulation of concentration, memory and strategic ways of thinking.
• An engaging approach to learning that can benefit children who struggle with more conventional methods.
• A low-pressure form of learning that allows students to progress at their own natural speeds and make mistakes.
• A structured and predictable learning approach that can provide a sense of calm and security.
• Strengthening areas that children with autism and ADHD often struggle with, such as focus, attention and confidence.
• A large number of educational games allow children to learn by engaging with their special interests, making it easier for them to maintain focus and concentration.

 The best types of educational games for neurodiverse kids

What are some education games that suit kids with conditions like autism and ADHD? The most helpful varieties of games for neurodivergent children include:

Co-operative games

Co-operative games require players to band together to achieve a common goal, and to focus on beating the board or the timer instead of each other. For autistic children, this kind of collaborative play has been shown to facilitate social interaction and improve communication abilities. Co-operative games create a friendly atmosphere by taking winners and losers out of the equation. This collaborative approach is one that builds social skills and confidence.

Puzzles

Puzzles are a common special interest for autistic children due to their repetitive, tactile nature. They can also help children with ADHD focus better and reduce stress. From the basic jigsaw variety to the 3D and combination kind, puzzles can help all children improve their concentration and cognitive abilities. Puzzles fall into the category of educational toys because they teach children all sorts of useful skills, from fine motor skills to logical thinking. Puzzles are a form of ‘structured play’, a style of play that helps children with ADHD to focus their attention.

Family games

A lot of educational games are fun for the whole family, which gives children who might be anxious or find it hard to make friends the chance to learn new skills in a supportive environment. What are some educational games that are fun for children and adults alike? Everything from board games to card games to games in which you test how well you know each other. Fun, fast-paced games are a great way to engage children with ADHD.

Just about any kind of educational game can be good for neurodivergent children, as long as it has certain qualities: a clear structure, multi-sensory engagement, hands-on stimulation and minimal sensory overload.

Find the perfect educational game for your child at Sister Sensory

 What are some educational games that benefit children with special needs, and how can you find them in Australia? The answers to that question can be found right here on the Sister Sensory website along with more than 2,000 toys, games and other diverse products.

Sister Sensory’s sensory educational toys include co-operative games, various types of puzzles including jigsaw puzzles, 3D puzzles and activity stackers, family-friendly activities, and games from leading brands like Orchard Toys and Smart Games.

A registered NDIS provider and family-owned company with over 10 years’ experience, Sister Sensory stocks products for children and adults with autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorder and other special needs. Our toys and games help neurodivergent kids develop motor skills, self-regulation and more.

If you need help shopping for our sensory toys online, call 0401 689 313, e-mail info@sistersensory.com.au or drop into Factory 4, 4 Brooke Court Melton, Vic, 3337.