Video games once thought to be a fad in the early 1980s have become a 100 billion dollar business played by the young and old. Characters like Sonic The Hedgehog and Mario have become worldwide cultural icons that have gone beyond video games to become movies, books, TV shows, toys, and more. But why are these games so appealing and what can preschool teachers learn from them when we think about how to plan curriculum and help children learn new tasks? Here are some example:

Starting with the basics and scaffolding new skills: Video games like Super Mario Brothers and Sonic The Hedgehog introduce players to fundamental skills and gradually build on them. Players progress through increasingly complex levels as they master the basics. Preschool teachers can apply this approach to early childhood education, presenting foundational concepts and scaffolding new skills as children become more proficient. By doing so, teachers can foster a sense of achievement and motivate young learners to tackle more challenging tasks.

Quick and direct feedback for learning from failure and success: Video games are excellent at providing immediate feedback. Players quickly learn from their mistakes and successes, adjusting their strategies as they encounter new challenges. Preschool teachers can incorporate quick and direct feedback into their classrooms to help children understand the consequences of their actions. This approach allows young learners to develop resilience and learn from their experiences, whether they succeed or fail.

Encouraging teamwork and problem-solving: In many video games, characters work together to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Tails helps Sonic The Hedgehog, and Luigi aids Mario, showcasing the value of collaboration and problem-solving. Preschool teachers can create activities that encourage teamwork, fostering a sense of camaraderie and cooperative learning among young children.

Interactive and hands-on learning: Video games are inherently interactive, requiring players to be active participants rather than passive observers. This hands-on approach to learning can be applied in preschool classrooms, allowing children to actively engage with the material and develop a deeper understanding of the concepts being taught. Interactive learning experiences can help young children retain information more effectively and stay focused on their tasks.

Trial and error as a learning strategy: Video games encourage players to experiment with different strategies and learn through trial and error. This approach can be equally valuable in a preschool setting, where children can explore various solutions to problems and learn from their mistakes. By allowing young learners to experiment, teachers can nurture curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving skills.

Using art and music to maintain engagement: Finally, video games expertly use art and music to create captivating and immersive environments that hold players' attention. Preschool teachers can integrate art, music, and other creative elements into their classrooms, creating engaging and stimulating learning environments. By doing so, they can support the development of creativity, self-expression, and a love for learning.

Conclusion: The enduring appeal of video games like Super Mario Brothers and Sonic The Hedgehog offers valuable lessons for preschool teachers. By incorporating elements such as scaffolding, direct feedback, teamwork, interactivity, trial and error, and the use of art and music, educators can create dynamic, engaging, and effective learning experiences that help young children develop essential skills and a lifelong love for learning.