Change the Game
Grades 6-8
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Session Name
Invent and Play
Age Group
Ages 12-14
Session Intention
Children design a brand new game with their own rules and test it with their classmates.
Materials Needed
• Snakes & Ladders (2)
• Ludo (2)
• Countdown (1)
• Gopher it (1)
• Jenga (1)
• Pictureka (1)
• Museum of Treasures (1)
• Catch the Crook (1)
• Chess (2)
• Dog and the bone (1)
• Business / Monopoly (1)
• Crossword Junior (1)
Classroom Arrangement
1. Form groups of 4-6.
2. Write the design requirements on the board as children settle.
3. Make all familiar game materials accessible to borrow from.
1/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Opening Procedure (5-7 minutes)
PEP-UP: Category Countdown (3 min)
1. Make 2 teams. You call a category.
2. Teams name things in that category one by one. No repeating. No blanking.
3. The team that repeats or blanks out loses the round.
4. Possible categories: animals with 4 legs, things in a kitchen, sports, things that are red, jobs.
5. Play 2-3 rounds.
NORMS (30 seconds):
1.Share the materials.
2. Take turns.
3. Respect each other's ideas.
4. Use games carefully.
More Pep-up Options
2/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Play Time (~25-28 minutes)
THE PROCESS (4 steps):
1.Give each group a game and let them play for 5 - 10 minutes.
2. Ask groups to plan the remix (4-5 min): what stays, what changes, how do you win? REMIX REQUIREMENTS: at least 2 rules changed, a way to win, playable by 4-6 people.
3. Let the groups set up and play it (10-12 min)
4. Swap with another group and explain the changes to them.
5. The other groups say what was clear and confusing.
YOUR ROLE DURING PLAY:
1. Ask the groups about the rules they changed and the way to win.
STEP IN WHEN NEEDED:
1. No way to win - Every game needs an ending. How does a player win?
2. Feedback causes conflict - Not all feedback needs to be acted on.
3. Finished fast - Add one more rule to make it harder.
What You May Notice
1. Children at this age can engage with the full game design process. Take their designs seriously.
2. Expect real investment in their games. Be careful how you give or allow feedback.
3. Notice how children receive feedback. This is a key life skill in action.
3/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Closing (~3-5 minutes)
1. Call out time remaining and ask groups to get ready to share their changed rules.
2. Groups share their remixed game title and one rule in 1 minute each.
3. Ask groups to share the hardest thing about remixing.
4. Ask the children to pack all materials properly.
Try Next Time
1. Let groups refine their game and playtest it again.
2. Ask children to write out the complete rules clearly on a card.
3. Run a Game Expo - groups set up their games and others rotate and try them.