Game theory for children
A couple of weeks ago, I picked up an entertaining book on game theory. Game theory studies the strategies people use when making decisions. As I was reading about the various problems considered by the theory, I thought these could make excellent games to play with the children. Here is an opportunity for a fun activity that also stimulates thinking, teaches decision-making, and creates an opening for meaningful discussions about choices and relationships.
We’ve played the games both theoretically and with props, such as pennies, chocolate chips, small candy, and Monopoly money. At the outset, each player is provided with an equal amount of “cash” to be used throughout the game. After each game, we discuss why the child has chosen to do what she did, what she had learned from her choice, and would she have done anything differently given a second chance. We also try to look for practical applications relevant to the kids’ lives. (more…)