Implementation of ‘Why Board Games?’ (SOl-RO-215)

Context
Games and especially board games are frequently used as activities in English classes. They represent one of the common activities of learning in a fun way. This topic was the main theme of our eTwinning project “Playhouse- learn English through games” in which the students of my school took part last year. That is why, it is important that students should learn about the history of games.
This SOI is based on the learning scenario ”Why board games” created by Jasmina Štefan. It was implemented in Școala Gimnazială, Comuna Puchenii Mari during two English classes in March 2021 with 6th grade students. The students have already discussed about the importance of games in our lives during the eTwinning project ”Playhouse – learn English through games”, but this lesson helps them find out about the history of the games, especially board games and presents them with the site Europeana, which is a great support in class. The site Europeana offers a lot of resources for this topic. I have most of the activities from this learning scenario: brainstorming, discussions and exhibition. What I have changed was the creation of games by the students. I consider that students should use their creativity in order to invent games of their own, which they of course will play with their families and friends as a form of socializing.
Implementing the Learning Scenario
During the first activity, the students studied the Europeana website. They have searched for collections (Games and Video games) related to this topic. The students noticed the photos of the collection and found them really interesting. The photos were something new and puzzling to them. The activity lasted around 10 minutes.
In the second activity, the students chose photos from the ”Games” collection and in groups they searched for information about the photos. They presented the information to the class. They mentioned: the period when the photo was taken, what kind of game it depicts and who can play it. This activity lasted around 15 minutes.
After the groups’ presentation, the students started a discussion about games in the past, how they have changed during the years, how they have evolved in our times, what teenagers are playing nowadays. In the end, the students highlighted their importance in our lives, which apparently hasn’t changed at all. Their experience from the eTwinning project helped them during the discussions, which took place for 15 minutes.
During the next activity, the students created games both online and offline. They will play with their families and friends. This activity took place outside of school, as the students creating them at home. The duration of this activity took around 50 minutes.
In the last activity, the students created a virtual exhibition with all their creations. This exhibition is on the school’s website and all the students will be able to play them all. Activity duration – 10 minutes.

Afterthoughts
My students loved this lesson because they love playing. They found really interesting the Europeana website. They discovered things about the past, like the history of games. Students also liked creating games, both online and offline. Although it was pretty challenging for some of them. I would suggest this activity. It is a good way to develop digital skills among students.
Outcomes
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1WkLLcqW0V1OSnlJIYC4-hdriw-qkX0KG2n_JWVlMkSI/edit?usp=sharing
Did you find this story of implementation interesting? Why don’t you read about the related learning scenario?
Why Board Games? created by Jasmina Štefan
Did you find this story of implementation interesting? You might also like:
- Implementation of ‘In my shoes’ by Sophia Kouzouli.
- Implementation of ‘Exploring and Questioning Philosophical Ideas Through Images’ by Alexandra Gerakini
- Implementation of “What would they say?” by Karoliina Mutanen
Do you want to discover more stories of implementation? Click here.
CC BY 4.0: the featured image used to illustrate this article has been found on Europeana and has been provided by the Wellcome Collection.