My Kids Love Minecraft, Should I Be Worried?

When parents see their kids play games like Minecraft, they may think it’s just another game and may worry they are spending too much time online. In reality, Minecraft combines exploration, creativity skills, and valuable coding and STEM skills. These are great assets because it’s no secret that kids love Minecraft!

We’re going to take a look at the benefits of Minecraft as well as the skills kids can learn. As we explore these topics, you’ll realize that Minecraft is more than just a game.

What is Minecraft?

If your child is playing Minecraft, it’s a good idea to know what they have on their screens. Minecraft is a game-based app that allows kids to enter, create, and modify their worlds. Kids build different elements of the game using only blocks. With Minecraft, kids can build anything they can dream up.

Minecraft has a survival mode and a creative mode. Creative mode allows kids to build whatever they imagine. In survival mode, players have to collect resources and build structures to stay alive.

How Does Minecraft Teach Coding?

Minecraft teaches coding in a simplistic way, making it fun to learn. Minecraft uses a 1X1 block structure so that kids can make up worlds and objects. Programming language uses 1’s and 0’s that dictate what the program does and how it runs. So, by using these skills in Minecraft, kids can transfer these over to the exciting world of coding. Furthermore, using command-line coding on a computer vs using a controller or gaming app, means kids are actually coding.

STEM Skills Minecraft Teaches

Minecraft teaches a variety of STEM skills. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are all covered.

Science in Minecraft

Kids can learn about biology through Minecraft as they learn about animal and plant life. They can also learn about physics as Minecraft allows players to experiment with gravity and friction. They also learn chemistry lessons with a brewing system that allows players to create potions and introduces them to basic chemistry concepts.

Technology in Minecraft

Minecraft can teach kids about technology as they learn about the different computer system components and gain insight into how things work. They’ll also learn about logic and how to solve problems as they come across obstacles and need to overcome them.

Engineering in Minecraft

In Minecraft, players can practice engineering skills by designing buildings or machines from scratch or by modifying structures. When kids are in survival mode, they learn how to build shelters and other structures by using blocks which requires them to think like engineers. It allows them to experiment with different designs and techniques.

Math in Minecraft

Minecraft is a great way for kids to learn math. They can learn about geometry concepts, such as angles and spatial relationships as they design and build structures in the game. They can also learn about how to measure and calculate the materials needed for construction. Common number sense is another valuable skill as kids count and use basic math to keep track of their resources.

Other Benefits of Minecraft

Besides teaching STEM and coding skills, there are other benefits of Minecraft. Consider these:

Improves Problem-Solving Skills

Minecraft helps kids to solve problems by navigating through obstacles. They quickly learn that their first ideas may not work. As they think about new ways to become successful, they can work on their problem-solving skills.

Specifically, when the game is in “survival mode” players have to maintain their hunger and health levels while facing dangerous monsters. They have to figure out how to escape and survive in these quick 10-minute games. These scenarios help to encourage critical thinking.

Teaches Social-Emotional Skills

Minecraft can also teach social-emotional skills and help children how to become good digital citizens. When playing with other children, they need to learn respect. This is a benefit that can translate to all parts of their lives.

Teaches How to Manage Resources

When playing Minecraft, kids need to learn how to calculate how much things cost and how much time is required for tasks. These types of management skills are an important part of the real-life skills that kids need to be successful.

Teaches History

Many people don’t realize that Minecraft also teaches about history. In some cases, they have to recreate famous events and map out locations.

Improves Creativity

Minecraft also works to boost creativity. The sky’s the limit when it comes to building in Minecraft. The game allows kids to use their imaginations to build virtually anything.

After reading about all of these benefits, parents can see that they don’t have to worry when their children are playing Minecraft. Kids can learn a multitude of skills to help them succeed in various parts of their lives.

Minecraft at MakerKids

At MakerKids, kids can learn all about Minecraft, including how computers and servers work, and core computer programming concepts. They also get to work with kids who share the same interests when it comes to Minecraft. To learn more, contact us online or call us at 416-385-3577.