This post will explore how playing board games can significantly enhance cognitive functions, specifically memory and problem-solving skills. If you’re a parent, educator, or therapist looking for games that target cognitive skills and tips on how to use them, some of the games mentioned in this post are described in more detail in the Game Index (please note that I am still actively adding games with weekly posts).
Occupational therapists are constantly seeking innovative and engaging ways to help individuals develop essential skills for daily living. Board games, often underestimated, are powerful tools that offer a multitude of therapeutic benefits.
As an Amazon Affiliate, links in this post help me earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you so that I can keep writing. Thanks for your support!
Memory is a fundamental cognitive function that plays a crucial role in our daily lives. Whether it’s recalling important information, following instructions, or remembering tasks, a strong memory is essential for independence. Board games offer a dynamic method for improving memory in a fun and interactive manner.
Before we dive into the specifics of how games support memory, let’s learn / review a bit about memory.
Sensory Memory:
Sensory memory is the briefest form of memory and is responsible for holding sensory information (e.g., visual, auditory, tactile) for a very short duration (a fraction of a second to a few seconds). It serves as a buffer, allowing us to process and perceive the continuous stream of sensory information we encounter.
Short-Term “Working” Memory:
Short-term memory, also known as working memory, is responsible for holding and manipulating information in our consciousness for a relatively short period (typically around 30 seconds). It’s crucial for tasks like mental arithmetic, following instructions, and remembering a phone number long enough to dial it.
Explicit Memory:
Explicit memory is the intentional and conscious recollection of information. It involves the ability to consciously retrieve facts, events, and experiences. This type of memory is closely related to declarative memory and is typically assessed through tasks like recall and recognition.
Implicit Memory:
Implicit memory, also known as non-declarative memory, involves the unconscious learning and retrieval of information. It is not dependent on conscious effort. Skills such as riding a bike, typing, or playing a musical instrument are examples of implicit memory. This type of memory is often assessed through tasks that measure skill acquisition and performance improvement.
Long-Term Memory:
Long-term memory is the repository for information that is stored for extended periods, potentially for a lifetime. It includes declarative memory (facts and events) and procedural memory (skills and habits). Declarative memory is further divided into semantic memory (general knowledge) and episodic memory (personal experiences).
Long-Term Memory Subtypes:
Procedural Memory:
Procedural memory is a type of long-term memory that is responsible for the acquisition and execution of motor skills and habits. It enables us to perform tasks automatically and without conscious awareness of the underlying processes.
Semantic Memory:
Semantic memory involves the storage and retrieval of general knowledge about the world, including facts, concepts, and language. It encompasses information about language, mathematics, historical facts, and other general knowledge that is not tied to specific personal experiences.
Episodic Memory:
Episodic memory is the type of long-term memory that involves the encoding, storage, and retrieval of specific events or episodes from one’s own life. It includes the context, emotions, and details associated with those events.
Autobiographical Memory:
Autobiographical memory is a specific form of episodic memory that pertains to personal experiences and events that have occurred in an individual’s life. It forms the basis of our personal narrative and self-identity.
Every single type of memory can be targeted and improved or maintained by therapeutic gaming. Note that this is the norm and not the rule as some (rare) degenerative diseases rapidly deteriorate memory function. However, engagement in therapeutic gaming has been shown to slow loss of function for diseases such as dementia.
Spatial Memory: Many board games involve navigating a physical space, such as moving game pieces on a board or creating a mental map of an area. This challenges spatial skills and multiple types of memory at the same time, as players must remember the layout and positions of elements on the board. This skill is transferable to tasks that require spatial awareness, such as cooking, reading a map, finding one’s way in a new environment, or remembering the location of objects.
Board games to try: Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Betrayal at the House on the Hill, Princess Cupcake, Castle Panic, the Forbidden game series, Mission Red Planet, Colt Express
Also: Dungeons & Dragons
Working Memory: Board games often require players to hold multiple pieces of information in their minds at once. For example, remembering the rules, tracking moves, and planning strategies all rely on working memory. Regular engagement in board games strengthens this cognitive function, enabling individuals to process, store, and manipulate information more efficiently in various contexts.
Board games to try: Literally ANY game you haven’t played before! Learning new games challenges working memory. However, I’d also recommend checking out this selection that require you to learn and recall information: Enchanted Forest, Labyrinth, Robo Rally, Sheriff of Nottingham, Nuns on the Run, Unlock!
Also: Dungeons & Dragons and other TTRPGs
Pattern Recognition: Certain board games, like memory-based card games or pattern-matching puzzles, require players to remember and match specific sequences or combinations. This activity sharpens visual and auditory memory, leading to improved pattern recognition abilities.
Board games to try: Evolution (there is also a simpler version for younger kids), Sequence, Wooly Wars, Outfoxed, Hoot Owl, Hoot!, Senshi
Problem-solving skills – a type of executive functioning skill – are indispensable for navigating various aspects of life, from academic and professional endeavors to personal challenges. Board games are a treasure trove of opportunities for honing these skills.
Critical Thinking: Board games often present players with complex situations that require careful analysis and evaluation of options. Players need to weigh potential outcomes and make strategic decisions based on logical reasoning. This process fosters critical thinking skills, which are essential for tackling a wide range of challenges in everyday life.
Board games to try: Lords of Waterdeep, Earth, Stone Age, Pandemic, The Artemis Project
Planning and Sequencing: Successful board game play requires forward thinking and planning. Players must anticipate future moves, consider various strategies, and adjust their approach based on changing circumstances. These skills are directly applicable to tasks that involve planning, organizing, and prioritizing, both in personal and professional contexts.
Board games to try: Welcome To, Robo Rally, Colt Express, the Forbidden game series, Pandemic
Adaptability and Flexibility: Board games, particularly those with dynamic gameplay or changing rules, require players to adapt their strategies in response to evolving situations. This encourages mental flexibility and the ability to adjust one’s approach in the face of unexpected challenges, skills that are invaluable in navigating real-world complexities.
Board games to try: Betrayal at the House on the Hill, Smallworld, Architectura, 7 Wonders, Sushi Go!
Cause-and-Effect Understanding: Through board games, individuals learn to recognize the relationship between their actions and the resulting outcomes. This deepens their understanding of cause-and-effect dynamics, a fundamental aspect of problem-solving in various situations.
Board games to try: Mission Red Planet, Robo Rally, Colt Express, Gloomhaven, Charterstone
By engaging in board games, individuals have the opportunity to exercise and strengthen these cognitive functions in an enjoyable and motivating context. This not only leads to improved memory and problem-solving skills but also enhances overall cognitive flexibility, adaptability, and strategic thinking, which can positively impact their daily lives and activities.
OTs often integrate board games strategically into our interventions to harness these cognitive benefits and support holistic development in our clients. Parents, caregivers, and educators can also use these tools!
Leave a comment below and let me know what you thought. Is there a game you’d like to see included on this list?
Role-playing games (RPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons combine storytelling, imagination, and collaborative problem solving. In these games, players create characters and work together to explore a story guided by a facilitator or game master.
–
RPGs are often played just for fun, but they can also be powerful tools in therapeutic, educational, and social settings
Children aged 7-10 years are learning to plan ahead, follow multi-step rules, manage frustration, and think flexibly when things don’t go their way.
Through turn-taking, strategy, problem solving, and playful competition, kids can build important executive functioning, social, and emotional skills while staying engaged.
Once children turn four, their impulse control has improved significantly and they can begin playing more interesting games.
–
Good games for this age group challenge cognitive flexibility and problem solving. I’ve compiled a list that targets a variety of skills & subjects and are lots of fun.
It is never too early to introduce your little one to the fun that comes with board games! Even at age two, playing games can help children develop focused attention, frustration tolerance, and impulse control. Here is a list that targets a variety of skills & subjects.
Age: 10+
–
Competitive / Semi-Cooperative
–
Subjects: English / Language Arts
–
Skills: Executive Functioning, Fine Motor, Social-Emotional, Visual-Spatial
–
This word game challenges two teams to give single-word clues to help their teammates collect points – while avoiding the assassin!
Board games are powerful tools that offer a multitude of therapeutic benefits to help individuals develop essential skills for daily living.
–
This post explores how board games can significantly enhance cognitive functions, specifically memory and problem-solving skills. If you’re looking for games that target cognitive skills, this is for you!
Age: 7+
–
Cooperative
–
Subjects: Math & Science, Natural World
–
Skills: Executive Functioning, Social-Emotional, Visual-Spatial
–
In this cooperative strategy game, players have survived a plane crash and scavenged supplies from the wreckage. Now, they must work together to survive until they are rescued!
Age: 2+
–
Cooperative
–
Subjects: Arts & Music, Math & Science, Natural World
–
Skills: Executive Functioning, Fine Motor, Sensory Integration, Social-Emotional, Visual-Spatial
–
Hurry and work together to help the owls get back to the nest before the sun rises!
Scientific research supports the variety of benefits that come from play.
This post explores 10 of those potential benefits with relevant clinical examples and associated game recommendations.
Age: 7+
–
Competitive
–
Subjects: Math & Science, Natural World
–
Skills: Executive Functioning, Fine Motor, Sensory Integration, Social-Emotional, Visual-Spatial
–
This surprisingly engaging French game is great for hooking children / clients / students who are motivated by visual input. Take turns laying tiles and matching colors and patterns.
Age: 4+
–
Cooperative
–
Subjects: English Language Arts, Math & Science, Natural World
–
Skills: Executive Functioning, Fine Motor, Social Emotional, Visual-Spatial
–
My #1 recommendation for young board gamers!