Peaceable Kingdom produce board games that get children working together, instead of against each other.
These award-winning games require cooperation between players in order for everyone to win. Games such as Hoot Owl Hoot, Feed The Woozle, and Count Your Chickens, pit players against an opposing force such as a forthcoming sunrise or a wicked witch, and they must work as a team to beat their challenger and win the game.
The simple concept leaves no-one behind, and with a common goal at the heart of the game, cultivates a culture of kindness and collaboration between those playing together. Social skills, strategic and tactical thinking are all called upon and developed.
What’s more, the crucial element of competition isn’t lost with a co-operative board game, merely re-directed towards something or someone imagined (ie not one of the other players.)
Non-competitive board games are games in which players work together towards a common goal, rather than competing against each other. This kind of game is also known as cooperative board games. In non-competitive games, the focus is on collaboration, teamwork, and enjoying the process rather than trying to win or beat the other players.
Benefits of Non-Competitive Board Games
- Promotes Teamwork and Collaboration
In non-competitive games, players must work together to achieve a common goal. This promotes teamwork and helps players to learn how to collaborate effectively, which are essential life skills.
- Encourages Communication
Cooperative games often require players to communicate with each other to make joint decisions and strategize. This helps in developing verbal communication skills and learning how to listen to others.
- Fosters Social Skills
Playing non-competitive games helps children learn to share, take turns, and respect each other. It’s also a great way to teach children how to deal with frustration and how to encourage and support others.
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Because there’s no pressure to win, non-competitive games can be less stressful and anxiety-inducing than competitive games. Players can focus on enjoying the game and having fun.
- Teaches Problem-Solving Skills
Many cooperative games require players to solve problems together. This can help to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to evaluate different solutions to a problem.
- Builds a Sense of Community
When players work together towards a common goal, it creates a sense of community and belonging. This can be particularly beneficial for children who might feel isolated or have difficulty making friends.
- Encourages Empathy and Understanding
In non-competitive games, players often have to think about what’s best for the group as a whole, which can encourage empathy and an understanding of different perspectives.
- Fun Without Fear of Losing
For some children, the fear of losing can take the fun out of playing games. With non-competitive games, this fear is removed, and players can focus on the joy of playing.
Examples of Non-Competitive Board Games
Hoot Owl Hoot!
In the enchanting game of “Hoot Owl Hoot!” players team up to ensure that the owls make it back to their nest before the sun comes up. The game incorporates color-coded cards, which players use to move the owls across the board. This gameplay helps children to recognize colors and understand simple strategy elements. The cooperative nature of “Hoot Owl Hoot!” encourages communication, as players need to discuss their moves to make sure all the owls are safe. This game is an excellent way for children to experience the value of teamwork while engaging in a fun and educational activity.
Race to the Treasure!
In the adventurous “Race to the Treasure!” players are tasked with creating a path through a mystical forest to find a treasure. However, there’s a catch – an ogre is also trying to reach the treasure! Players need to collect three keys and create the path before the ogre gets there. This game is ideal for developing spatial reasoning, planning skills, and understanding the importance of teamwork. The need for collaboration to build the path efficiently teaches children the importance of communicating and working together to achieve a common goal.
Dinosaur Escape
“Dinosaur Escape” is a thrilling cooperative game where players work together to get three dinosaurs safely to Dinosaur Island before the volcano erupts. The game involves memory, problem-solving, and shared decision-making. Players take turns to find the dinosaur’s favourite food, which allows them to move the dinosaurs closer to the island. As the game progresses, the tension builds with the impending volcanic eruption. The visually appealing dinosaur characters and the exciting storyline make it an enthralling game for young children. Through the game, children learn the essence of cooperation, memory skills, and handling anticipation.
Final word
The result are board games which actually build relationships and friendships. And, because no-one feels left out, and the opportunities for disagreements and tears and much reduced, parents are happier when their children are playing Peaceable Kingdom games, too.
