3 Video Games That May Build Executive Function

Hi Friends,

I know we still need to limit screen time, but at least these 3 games supposedly build executive function. Never been a minecraft fan, despite Christopher's fondness of the game, but apparently playing might actually improve player's focus, working memory, and other executive functions. I am going to look into Bad Piggies, and Roblox. Maybe I will even try them in an attempt to build my executive function!!! Please let me know if anyone else tries these games and/or what your thoughts are on the above. 

Cheers,

Andrea 

3 Video Games That Build Better Thinking

Video games aren't all bad! Check out these three expert-recommended video games to help your ADHD child improve focus, concentration, and planning skills.

by Randy Kulman, Ph.D.

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Are you concerned that your eight-year-old's video game play is turning his mind to mush? I get it. But what if I told you that playing Minecraft and other skill-building video games might actually improve his focus, working memory, and other executive functions? 

Watch your child play for a few minutes, and you'll see that he plans, organizes, and problem-solveswhile engaged in a video game — skills we'd all like our ADHD kids to develop. Wouldn't it be great if he could transfer those game-playing skills to everyday tasks?

He can, with a little help from you. Use the following three steps to tap into the skill-building potential of video games:

1. Help your child identify the thinking and problem-solving skills that are necessary to play the game.

2. Encourage metacognition and reflection by talking about how these skills are used in the real world.

3. Engage your child in activities that use these skills, and then talk with your child about how the skills connect to game play.

Here are some popular games you can use to encourage your child to connect game-based skills to real-world skills:

BAD PIGGIES

> Game description: Bad Piggies is a puzzle game, from the makers of the popular Angry Birds, that challenges players to build contraptions that carry the "piggies" to their destinations. At the start of each stage, you're shown the level layout, given a collection of parts, and sent on your way. It's up to you to invent a solution to each puzzle — there isn't only one right answer.

> Skills a child uses: Bad Piggies requires a child to use different strategies in order to advance. The player needs to think flexibly and consider several ways of escorting the piggies through the stage. He may be discouraged at a few failed attempts, but perseverance pays off.

> Skills to practice outside the game: Show your child that it is OK to make mistakes. Take a wrong turn on an outing on purpose or mix up the ingredients in a recipe. Show him how to keep calm while making the necessary corrections.

ROBLOX

> Game description: Roblox is an online virtual playground and workshop. Players are given basic tools with which to construct buildings, machines, and other creations to explore the Roblox world.

> Skills a child uses: Players use working-memory skills when they learn and remember how to use the different tools for arranging and building objects and altering their appearance. To improve working memory, explore the different features in Roblox Studio with your child, and encourage her to become familiar with the location and layout of the available tools and instruments. Practice working-memory skills in the game by building a small house.

> Skills to practice outside the game: To build working memory, do a step-by-step project that requires remembering what you have already done, such as following a recipe or planting a garden.

MINECRAFT

> Game description: Players are placed in a borderless, randomly generated land with no supplies, directions, or objectives. They have to decide what to do and how to do it. Players collect materials from the world around them in order to "craft" items and build whatever their minds can imagine. 

> Skills a child uses: Minecraft improves planning skills because players need to set and achieve goals within a time frame. As your child starts the game, he'll need to collect mined materials, build a workbench on which to craft items, and construct a shelter. Discuss with him the need to focus on the task at hand in order to achieve his goals before the monsters arrive at nightfall.

> Skills to practice outside the game: Practice planning skills by deciding together what your child needs for school. Begin with a list of essential supplies — pencils, notebooks, markers, backpack, and lunch box — then list the other materials or things she'd like to take to school. Decide which items to purchase. Encourage your child to make the lists on his own, and to determine the most important items to buy.

 

What do you think of this article? Share your comments on www.ADDConnect.com, ADDitude's community site. Check out the new ADHD Medication User Reviews and the ADHD Adults Support Group. Your fellow ADDers want to hear from you!

Andrea L Gooldy

Parent Educator and Coach

404-932-9393 

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From: "ADDitude magazine" <Newsletter@additudemag.com>
Date: November 8, 2014 at 8:08:44 AM EST
To: <andreaparentcoach@gmail.com>
Subject: ADHD Gift Ideas: 3 Video Games That Build Executive Function

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11.8.14

3 Brain-Building Video Games   This holiday season, fulfill your child's wish list and improve executive function skills at the same time. Build focus, organization, and problem-solving skills with these expert-recommended video games for kids with ADHD. »     Executive Function Disorder, Explained: What parents need to know about EFD. »  4 Brain-Training Therapies: Learn how to train your ADDer's brain to focus -- naturally. »  Improve Working Memory: Exercises to make the most of your mind and remember more. »   Natural ADD Treatments Herbs, vitamins, and minerals that give your brain a boost. »   "Hands Off!" Is your kid a hitter? An 8-point plan to rein in ADHD aggression. »     "Essential Oils" Have you experimented with essential oils to help manage your kid's ADHD symptoms? I've heard that lavender, for example, can help with going to sleep." » "How Do I Discipline My Son?" My son will hit and kick his sister for no reason. How do I convey that this behavior is not okay? He doesn't seem to get what he's doing wrong." » A message from our sponsor, Attention360... As the leading education services company, Pearson is proud to offer products that support the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. Click here. »       Substance Abuse & ADD Substance abuse risk and ADHD may share a genetic component -- and relatives of ADHD patients may be at risk. Get the latest ADHD news. »    The Boy Who Cried Wolf "We may not believe our son's tall tales, but we don't let his 'creative embellishments' stop us from having his back." A mom on her ADHD son's lying. »      SPONSORED BY   Get ADDitude's Natural Treatments issue when you subscribe now. - How to lose weight the ADD way - Tools to beat boredom - 11-step plan for creating healthy habits - And much more....

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