Xbox: A Learning Tool?

For the Mommies, Daddies, Aunties, Uncles, Grandparents and Babysitters out there balking at their toddlers and children playing video games, let me give you something to think about. Xbox as a Learning Tool.

Learning Tool? What? How? Well, I am glad you asked. You see, as a frugal gal, I'm all about not only myself multitasking, but my purchases multitasking. This means my gaming console must be able to do more than play video games that involve me killing vengeful players over and over.

While, your Xbox 360 lets you enter a fabuloso world of fun, excitement and camaraderie, there are some games out there designed with the little ones and families in mind. I will be listing them alphabetically. Please note that some of these titles are also available for other gaming systems.

Educational Value: Teaches Reading, History, Mathematics and Geography. A+
Positive Role Models: Varied choice of contestants to chose from like a little mini United Nations. A
Family Friendly: This is a carefully censored game and is proud of its ESRB rating of Everyone. A+
Ease of Play: The controls are easy to use. A+
Violence: N/A. A+
Able To Play Alone: Yes! A+
Adult Things: None. A+
Ages: Designed for ages 8 and up. Younger kids might need help. B+
Overall Grade: A+

Educational Value: Teaches Problem Solving via Puzzles and Fitness. Plus teaches Competition in a sporting fashion. A+
Positive Role Models: Yes! A+
Family Friendly: Absolutely family friendly. A+
Ease of Play: Once you get your Kinect set up right, this game is a snap to control. A+
Able To Play Alone: Yes but it is more fun played as a family. Up to 4 people can play. A+
Adult Things: None at all. A+
Ages: Namco says this is for everyone. But I'm saying its for anyone that can control their body. So, with help, Toddlers and up! A+
Overall Grade: A+

Educational Value: Teaches Problem Solving and encourages Creativity. Without realizing it, some fundamentals in Physics is also taught. A+
Positive Role Models: No characters so other than your little character, no role models. The game itself functions as a positive role model. C+
Family Friendly: Absolutely family friendly. A+
Ease of Play: Because there is very little instruction beyond the first 10 puzzle tutorial. Those that think inside the box will find this very challenging. B+
Able To Play Alone: Yes. A+
Adult Things: None at all. A+
Ages: EA says this is for everyone. But I'm saying its for anyone that can control their body. With help, Toddlers and up! A+
Overall Grade: A-

Educational Value: Because this game is actually 4 games, it teaches Problem Solving, Relationship between Columns and Rows, using Grids, Mathematics, Strategy, Memory, Spacial Conception and Logic. A++
Positive Role Models: The only characters are your Xbox 360 Avatars. C+
Family Friendly: Very family friendly. A+
Ease of Play: Super simple to get games going. A+
Able To Play Alone: Yes. But it is more fun as a family. Up to 4 players. A+
Adult Things: None at all. A+
Ages: EA says this is for everyone. For the younger kids teaming up with Mom or Dad is a big help. A
Overall Grade: A

Educational Value: Teaches Music and thus Music Appreciation. Encourages Competition via Teamwork. A+
Positive Role Models: The rock stars are little lego characters and thus are acceptable. B+
Family Friendly: With it's family friendly lyrics this is a fun game to play together. A+
Ease of Play: The drums and guitars are tough, the vocals are easier. C+
Violence: I didn't see any. A+
Able To Play Alone: Yes. A child can blast through this on their own. A+
Adult Things: None. A+
Ages: Warner Brothers Studios says this is for 10 years old and up. But my six year old stepson has no problem playing this. B+
Overall Grade: A-

So what does this mean for Mommies and Daddies? This means, that no longer are you limited by educational TV shows while you shower or do dishes, etc. Now, your child can be entertained and learning without commercials playing and enforcing consumerism.

In addition, all the games I listed are fun to play for adults as well and of course are all great to play as a family. This will further increase the bond between you and the kids in your life without worrying about violence, bad language, adult situations and all those other things that the video game industry has gotten a reputation for.

A couple of quick safety tips before you go on a shopping spree.
1. Creating a kids profile on an Xbox 360 console is easy and can be adjusted to prevent kids from viewing or playing anything that is rated above what you allow.
2. Do not purchase a Live membership. Why does your child need to play multiplayer with all sorts of random strangers.
3. If you must purchase a Live membership, learn how to lock down your child's profile via the Account Settings so only people on the friends list can communicate with the child.
4. Consider not having the Xbox 360 connected to the internet. Solving the random stranger thing instantly. Only plug in a few times a year for updates.
5. An Xbox 360 is like a TV. This means set the timer to limit gaming time. Check the Xbox 360 profile Settings to set timer.
6. Xbox 360 is not a babysitter! I grow weary of small children mouthing off while I am playing games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops. If you love your child, why are they playing such a violent game with total adult strangers all hours of the day and night?!?!
7. If a game is single player, take turns at the controls so you and your child are playing together. More family time!
8. Save often. Games can crash or freeze.
9. Check the game settings for a subtitles option. If there is one, turn it on and have the child read the subtitles aloud or read to the child. This will really help with Reading.
10. Have fun. It is, afterall, only a game.

Game on - family style!