If you haven’t heard of the game Minecraft, there’s a good chance that you been living with your head in the sand over the past few years. Minecraft is what is known as a “sandbox” game, set in an open virtual world where the player does not need to have any particular goals or direction in mind in order to experience success.
Minecraft is a game of discovery, construction, and learning, and it’s being used in a variety of school settings to teach skills like mathematics, physics, history, and reading comprehension. In addition, sandbox games like Minecraft can help kids with autism develop creativity, flexibility, and other important thinking skills.
Now, the National Autistic Society states that the game can actually help children with ASD. According to the society, some children with ASD say that the game has helped them to become more confident, and make more friends. Minecraft really appeals to children with autism. It'svery visual, it's creative - though in a logical, structured way - and it also promotes social skills, something that autistic children sometime struggle with.
Many parents of children with autism have spoken about the positive power of the game in engaging their children. While there are legitimate concerns that some children with autism can become obsessed in their Minecraft play, there remain a number of strategies that can be used to make sandbox games like Minecraft into great opportunities for learning.
Here’s how to help kids with autism get the most out of sandbox games like Minecraft:
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Make the time to play the game with your child. At the very least observe them playing. You may need to ask them to slow down their building and exploration in order for you to understand what they are doing. Asking them questions about the game can be a great exercise for both of you.
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Encourage your child to work on a specific task in the game. Preferably, find something that requires the use of planning and organizational skills. Rather than simply exploring, ask them if they can build you a house or set up a farm.
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Take Minecraft and other sandbox games beyond the console or computer. Encourage them to build with Lego, design and construct a fort in the backyard, or to learn more about the actual mining and discovery of materials that make up today’s buildings and objects.
‘Steve’, ‘Creeper’ and ‘Zombie’ will become a big part of family life, so I would advise all parents to embrace the craze but ensure that the game is played in moderation. Having designated Minecraft time can be very effective!
"You are the player, and I am the block. Together we make Minecraft."
