In the article How Videogames Like Minecraft Actually Help Kids Learn to Read, Thompson describes the use of video games to enhance reading skills. Thompson uses Minecraft as an example, this video game does not come with much instruction on how to play. Therefore, users are forced to do some research and read manuals that gamers have created. The content that manuals and other resources found are written in higher grade level than the students playing. In this case elementary school students are reading manuals from 8th-11th grade level. The reason is students feel motivated to read these manuals and learn how the game works. Not only does it enhance their reading skills but as well as their writing skills, educators can form online discussions about the video games and enhance those writing skills. Thompson summarizes the article by saying, "to get kids reading and writing, give them a real-world task they care about. These days that's games".
Many people see video games as a waste of time, or an unproductive activity, however this article showed otherwise. This article was very convincing, students are motivated to do things that they can relate to or find interesting. Video games can be a tool to enhance students reading skills, and also help other skills such as researching about the video game.
Students need to feel motivated and by incorporating video games in class it will allow them to build academic skills. Think about it, what child wouldn't want a video game assigned as homework? Assigning a video game that needs some research will benefit students in a variety of ways. As a future educator I will sure include a video game as a fun educational assignment.
Resources:
Thompson. C. (2014). How videogames like Minecraft actually help kids learn to read. Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/2014/10/video-game-literacy/
