Are There Any Video Games Approved by Teachers? What Parents Should Know

When Fun Meets Learning: A Hopeful Conversation About Gaming

It’s not easy being a parent nowadays. Between trying to get dinner on the table and helping with endless homework pages, technology—especially video games—can feel like an annoying, ever-present obstacle. Maybe you’ve asked yourself, "Why won't my child sit down and study like I used to?" or "Could these constant video games be doing harm?" You're not alone.

But what if the screens our kids cling to could actually help them learn? Could there be video games trusted by educators—games that go beyond flashy graphics or time-wasters? Let's pause the guilt for a moment and explore the real potential behind educational gaming.

Not All Games Are Created Equal

One of the first things to understand as a parent is that not all video games affect children the same way. Some titles are fast-paced, dopamine-loaded distractions. Others, however, are being designed with input from educators, child psychologists, and curriculum specialists. These aren’t just “educational” in branding—they’re built to teach and engage meaningfully.

For example, ‘MathLand’ is an adventure game that teaches arithmetic through puzzles and logic challenges. Teachers love it because it reinforces school curriculum and adapts to a child’s skill level. Then there's ‘Valiant Hearts’, a beautifully-crafted story that teaches World War I history through emotional storytelling—so effective it’s been recommended as supplementary material by several middle-grade history teachers in Europe.

And it turns out, when used intentionally, especially with some guidance, these types of games can be more than just productive—they can be transformative.

Games That Teach, Games That Empower

Let’s take a real-world example. A mother I recently spoke with—Leila, mom of two—was struggling with her 10-year-old son, Adam, who hated history and would do anything to avoid history homework. But like so many other kids, Adam adored video games.

In a moment of trial-and-error parenting brilliance, Leila found a game that let Adam explore ancient Egypt while solving simple quests. Suddenly, Adam was voluntarily reading about pharaohs, asking questions at dinner, and even drawing pyramids. The spark had been lit. As it turns out, kids really can learn history or science through video games—when the game respects their intelligence and curiosity.

The Quiet Approval of Teachers

While it may be rare to hear teachers outwardly recommend video games—in part due to parental concerns or school policies—many educators are starting to embrace the potential of “edutainment” in and out of the classroom. Teachers have been known to pair programs like Minecraft: Education Edition with lessons on architecture or environmental science.

In controlled contexts, with adult supervision or thoughtful integration, these tools can bridge the gap between traditional teaching and digital fluency. Some teachers are even collaborating with developers to design classroom-compatible versions of popular games. These aren’t distractions—they're supports. They meet children where they are, and gently nudge them forward.

If You Can’t Beat the Screen, Redirect It

Here’s where your parenting intuition comes in: if your child is drawn toward screens, see that as a clue rather than a curse. The challenge isn’t to extinguish the interest, but to guide it. This doesn't mean letting go of boundaries—rather, it means being curious with your child instead of constantly battling their choices.

Ask yourself and your child: What games are they playing? Is there puzzle-solving involved? Storytelling? Can it tie back to something they’re learning at school?

If your child struggles with remembering complex lessons or vocab words, imagine turning their school content into something interactive and immersive. Some parents have had success using apps that transform lessons into audio adventures—like a podcast where your child becomes the hero of their own learning story. One such tool even uses your child's own name to personalize the experience, helping them feel more invested, especially on long car rides when attention is hard to win.

That’s the kind of approach parents are taking with the Skuli App, which can turn any photo of a blackboard note or worksheet into a fun, personalized 20-question quiz—or an audio mission narrated like an adventure story. It’s discreet help that feels like play.

Emotional Regulation, Focus, and Balance

Another angle we often miss is how video games affect our children's emotional development. Believe it or not, video games can shape self-regulation and focus, particularly when children take on responsibility within a game’s universe—managing a team, making choices, or learning cause and effect.

Instead of banning games outright, the healthiest approach is often to set a structure: game time after homework, for a set duration, and—here’s the magic—sometimes link work and play. If they study a lesson before gaming time, can parts of that lesson be brought into their game world experience? Can they “earn” gaming time by creating a summary of what they just learned? The content is the challenge; the game is the reward. But more often than not, they may find the content surprisingly fun on its own.

What Matters Most: Curiosity + Connection

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to make your child love every subject—but to help them discover that learning can exist beyond textbooks and tests. Conversations about games can become windows into your child's inner world: what they care about, what they fear, what challenges excite them. If you're looking to turn video game obsession into academic momentum, the answer doesn't start with pulling the cord. It starts with listening, redirecting, and sometimes—yes—playing alongside.

So yes, there are video games that educators trust. And more importantly, there are thoughtful ways that families like yours are already using tech tools to boost learning, emotional development, and even confidence. It’s not always easy, but with intention and patience, you and your child can turn screen time into learning time—together.

For more in-depth guidance, check out our related article: My Child Loves Video Games—Here's How to Make It a Strength at School.