Heard of Minecraft but unclear what it really is? Curious as to Minecraft's unique appeal among elementary school aged children? I recommend, The Minecraft Generation: How a clunky Swedish computer game is teaching millions of children to master the digital world.
But before you read, and decide for yourself the merits of Minecraft here are some top picks from the comments section:
Sonia Simone
Denver April 17, 2016There's no substitute for setting limits with kids -- they need to learn to manage these distractions and find a workable balance, not just for childhood but for college and for work life. Access to games, and the potential downside, doesn't disappear when a kid turns 18.
ben
mn April 15, 2016I am the parent of a child with Autism and I am so very grateful that Minecraft exists. Too often adults older than Millenials fail to see the benefit of some video games. Even after reading an article about the extensive, intricate and beautiful worlds children have created with this game they still lean towards the negative. Minecraft has helped my son with Autism learn to socialize better in a healthy way in a nonthreatening, safe, and uniquely suitable way. He communicates more and better playing while actually wanting to interact with other people. It has been a godsend for my wife and I. And the unique beauty that he ( and other children) create in this game, in their worlds, is truly astonishing. I feel sorry for those too old to see the benefits of something merely because it is on a screen or it's foreign to them because they did not grow up doing it.
Talya
K April 14, 2016Minecraft allows the elementary schoolers I babysit to hid behind a screen rather than play outside, interact with people face to face, or develop social skills. They spend hours a day staring at a screen. I find it hard to believe that the ability to "tinker" and problem solve a world of cubes is more important than being able to carry a conversation.
