Supporting successful game experiences
With most games, the trick is knowing how to MODIFY them for our students.
When I graduated WAY back in 1981 ‼️ we often played games in therapy with our students. Games were considered a break from the work. But, today, with my work in social cognition, games are often THE work! What a sweet change…
A great game elicits lots of different feelings as we play. 🕹️ Opportunities to manage a host of changing feelings. To consider how our reactions might influence the feelings of others. To take risks.
How can we set our students up for success with games? We can start with previewing the feelings that we may encounter. To do that, try watching an animation like Maca & Roni: Jenga, by Kyungmin Woo. Then, discuss what range of feelings was noted:
What a great list!
Talk about the feelings, or, for extra fun, encourage illustrations and use of thought bubbles: 💭
Student illustrations for Maca & Roni: Jenga, by Kyungmin Woo
Previewing feeling is certainly important and helpful. But so is modifying our games 🎲 – whether it’s about making directions less complex, adding visual supports, or NOT using all the cards and materials provided by the game developer.
Remember, you DON’T have to play the game exactly as the directions say. We can change it in ANY way so that our students succeed. That’s how they often can learn to play pretty complicated NEW games – by learning them bit by bit!
As an example, you can remove some of what, in my groups, we call “mean cards” in Monopoly Deal. 💵 It’s a terrific game whether or not you use all the cards! We often start with a limited selection:
Finally, add visual supports! Whether it’s cut up instructions to serve as cue cards, or my Feeling Fixers, visual supports can really help our students keep up with the rules of the game, as well as all those feelings:
Feeling Trackers & Fixers supporting well-regulated game play.
Speaking of games…
Outside the Box: Maximizing Success by Modifying & Individualizing Games
Curious about how you can facilitate successful games with your students? Lots of my tips and tricks for helping our students learn and love new and exciting games revolve around visual supports. My One-hour Coaching video is available just for the month of April! ▶️
Remember – after you purchase, you can watch whenever you want!
You will also receive an invite to join Anna at Office Hours this month – April 29th at 1:00 pm PST!
Let’s talk GAMES!!
Anna
