50 Simple, Inexpensive and Effective, Games & Activities that Require Little or No Prep. Active participation in learning is as fascinating as it is effective. Humans learn faster and better by participating actively than by sitting and listening passively. Nothing assists in the learning process quite like games, and understanding that there are different kinds of play is important for understanding how it leads to learning. Each type of play is healthy and important for learning. Kids use play to take risks, to learn from their mistakes, and to learn how to be a good winner and good loser. Play is also used to create meaning and is directly related to cognitive development. It boosts memory skills and language development. Nothing touches a child positively like fun and funny games in the classroom. Particularly effective in elementary and middle school.