While Popongo has experienced a fast rise in popularity with households and groups at event gatherings (tailgates, etc.) we have found that it best connects to students of varying abilities. Below is a breakdown of why a small investment in Popongo for your educational facility will be a big win for adolescents with unique needs.
3 Beneficial Features of Popongo that Make it the Best Board Game for Students with Special Needs
I. Teaches Basic Math Skills While Having FUN
The development of basic math skills such as adding, subtracting, counting, and even the learning of shapes can be a major challenge for children with intellectual disabilities. It can also be a challenge for those with behavioral disorders due to a compromised ability to stay focused on a math lesson.
A recent study on students with mathematics disabilities indicated that if intensive intervention is not introduced by the 3rd grade, the table is set for a challenging future.
"Conventionally, number combinations are incorporated into the curriculum at kindergarten through second grade, although most general education programs do not allocate systematic attention to developing strategies for fluent number combination performance. Nevertheless, most typically developing students are well on their way toward automatic retrieval of number combinations as their major solution strategy by the beginning of third grade. Therefore, when students still manifest deficiencies involving number combinations at the beginning of third grade, a pressing need exists for remediation."
The introduction of board games that promote basic math skills are an important component of a holistic intervention strategy. This is where Popongo comes in.
When playing Popongo (view rules here) students count the points they accumulate with each ball that lands in a color-coded (by value) cup. Because the game is FUN, they don't experience the same pressure they may feel when an activity is positioned as being a part of a lesson plan. They just play, and learn math skills along the way. As they develop their ability to add, subtract, and count, educators can introduce multiplication elements into the game.
II. A Board Game That Keeps Them Moving
The CDC reports that students with mobility limitations, intellectual, and/or learning disabilities are at greatest risk for obesity. Their research indicates that 20% of children aged 10 to 17 years of age who have special care needs are obese compared with 15% of those of the same age group without special care needs. In understanding this, parents and educators alike need to choose games that promote mobility. Unlike with most other board games for special needs students, Popongo is a fun physical activity that gets students moving. The accessible game can be played while standing (for those are able to do so with or without assistance) or from a seated position as they launch official Popongo game balls into the air towards the intended targets.
Concerned about how challenged students may feel if they miss the mark more than they make? Don't be! While it takes everyone time to get good at Popongo (which is part of the fun!) we have found that kids have a blast gathering the missed balls when using this super-cool ball pick-up tube.
III. Promotes Social Skills
Research consistently shows that students with challenged abilities are more likely to face social anxiety due to the low self-confidence. They avoid interactions and conversations with other students and are not able to develop social skills that they will need to thrive later in life. Traditional board games for special needs students do little to change this. Popongo on the other hand, is a more active and interactive game that removes the potential for social awkwardness from the equation. During game-play, participants are constantly moving, tossing, laughing, and interrelating throughout.
Furthermore, the balls and cups pay no mind to a given player's abilities. The playing field is leveled as athleticism doesn't really come into play. Look no further than Popongo's CEO and founder, Errol Anderson, as an example. The guy clearly spends a lot of time in the gym, and yet he consistently gets his butt kicked in Popongo by kindergarten students when touring the game around the country!
We envision an America where Popongo is found in hundreds of schools to provide students of all abilities with a more engaging way to learn and play, together. Are you ready to join in and help make a difference? Game sets are available for sale at our online store and you'll be pleased to know that schools within the continental United States enjoy FREE shipping! If you have any additional questions feel free to contact the team at Popongo anytime.