Have you heard of or played the game of mancala? If you have, you have played the most common game in the world.
Let that sink in for a moment. A simple game managed the task of connecting the entire planet. And did so long before Facebook, Twitter or the internet.
1. Learning to Count
As young children learn to count, having something small to hold helps the process. Just being able to pick them up and count them out, as they drop them cements the learning process.
2. Playing Mancala for Fine Motor Skills
Mancala helps by teaching them to pick up multiple items and set down one at a time, improving fine motor skills.
3. Taking Turns
As with any game, children learn to move their pieces one at a time. Instead of thinking they can move all they want, they learn to wait their turn.
4. Critical Thinking
Mancala teaches critical thinking at each age group. And it does so whether players realize it or not.
5. A Fun Project
If you want to kill a couple hours with your kids, build mancala boards with them. You can do this any of a hundred different ways.
6. Math Skills
Mancala helps children recognize how many seeds are in a cup without physically counting them.
7. Keeping the Brain Young
It's no secret that degenerative brain disorders plague our society. Board games, in general, seem to have a positive impact on long-term brain health. Mancala does as well.
8. Playing Mancala as Part of Drug Rehab
Mancala makes an excellent choice here. The games go quick and the payoff for a win is instantaneous. Plus, it helps people connect thru conversation while playing.
9. Physical Rehab
Just as it can aid in fine motor skills for toddlers, mancala makes great physical rehab.
10. A Great Social Game
Last, but not least, playing mancala at a game night makes for a fun time.