Change the Game
Grades 1-2
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Session Name
New Rules, New Fun
Age Group
Ages 6-8
Session Intention
Children modify a familiar game by changing one rule and discover a new way to play.
Materials Needed
• Super Architect/Lego (2)
• Jodo Blocks (1)
• Jodo Straws (1)
• Jumbo Blocks/Brilliant (1)
• Jenga (1)
• Mechanix Plastic (2)
• Mechanix Basic (1)
• Mechanix Beginner Asst (3)
Classroom Arrangement
1. Form groups of 4-6.
2. Give each group a familiar game or material.
3. Keep extra materials handy for groups that want to expand.
1/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Opening Procedure (5-7 minutes)
PEP-UP: Jenga One Rule Change (3 min)
1. Play one fast round of Jenga where each child runs up to the teachers table and pulls out a jenga block till the tower falls.
2. Ask the class for one rule change.
3. Play 3 turns with it to see if it works.
NORMS (30 seconds):
1. Share the game.
2. Take turns.
3. Be kind.
4. Use games carefully.
More Pep-up Options
2/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Play Time (~25-28 minutes)
THE PROCESS:
1.Give each group a game and let them play for 5 - 10 minutes.
2. Ask groups to change one or more things about the game. Example: Only odd numbers are valid when rolling dice.
3. Play the changed version for 10+ minutes.
4. Try another change if time allows.
5. If the change broke the game, fix one thing and try again.
EXAMPLES IF STUCK:
1. Jenga - do a dare before pulling a block.
2. Ludo - play in teams of 2 sharing pieces.
3. Snakes and Ladders - snakes go UP, ladders go DOWN.
YOUR ROLE DURING PLAY:
1. Ask groups what they changed and how it is working.
2. Note creative changes to share at the end.
STEP IN WHEN NEEDED:
1. Cannot agree on a change - vote; majority decides.
2. Changed game is chaos - What one rule would make it fair again?
What You May Notice
1. Children love the idea of making up new rules. Expect high energy.
2. Some will change one small thing. Others will overhaul the whole game. Both are valid.
3. Note who in each group is a natural game designer. They will shine here.
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. Each group explains their rule change in 30 seconds.
3. Ask if the new version was better or just different.
4. Ask the children to pack all materials properly.
Try Next Time
1. Let groups play with each other's changed games and rules.
2. Let children add a second change to their game.