THE IMPORTANCE OF DIDACTIC GAMES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THINKING OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

This article explores the theoretical and practical potential of didactic games in developing the thinking skills of primary school pupils. It examines how game-based tasks can support logical and creative thinking, comparison, analysis, generalization, problem-solving, and independent conclusion-making. The role of games in strengthening attention, memory, communication, and cooperation is also discussed. The article presents examples of games suitable for mathematics, language, and other primary-school lessons, describing their objectives, procedures, and the skills they develop. Practical recommendations are provided for selecting activities according to pupils’ age and individual needs, aligning tasks with lesson objectives, and assessing learning through clear criteria. The paper is based on a review of theoretical sources and a synthesis of pedagogical approaches. It argues that the purposeful use of didactic games can contribute to the quality of primary education.