Children's learning games can teach children new skills as well as allow them to practice what they have learned. Common skills focus on vocabulary development and math skills. A 2007 study by Geetha B. Ramani and Robert S. Siegler of Carnegie Mellon University concluded that board games with counting improved children's math skills.

Word Building
Building words with letters in an interactive program can help children practice spelling as well as expand their vocabulary. Interactive versions of "hangman" are popular, especially when the children have a time limit to solve the puzzle. Hangman helps children practice reading and spelling. It also helps them practice using common rules associated with spelling. Children can learn spelling through games in which they must point out misspelled words or unscramble letters.

Math Skills
Board games in which children must spin a wheel or roll dice and count on a board assists in honing counting skills. Young children become more familiar with number concepts because as they advance on the board, they learn the difference between moving one space and moving three spaces. Math games are not limited to board games; interactive computer games review addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Usually, children must answer questions or solve problems within a short time frame.

Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is based on evidence and reason. Children can strengthen these skills when they play games based on strategy and logic. Games in which children must solve puzzles or answer logical questions exercise children's brains. Trivia games and strategy games teach children how to solve problems. These games can help children learn to see beyond the obvious. Some games help children improve their memories. Other strategy games simply help children take information that they have learned and apply it in different ways.

Subject Area Games
Children can learn material in content areas taught in school. For example, games for social studies, science and history--played in interactive computer games, matching games or board games--can help children learn facts associated with these areas. Games can also help students review information from previous lessons. Teachers or parents can create board games with specific questions or concepts from lessons taught in class. The thrill of competition motivates children to learn, practice and win.