Board & Rule-Based
Grades 6-8
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Opening Procedure (5-7 minutes)
PEP-UP: Jenga Speed Stack (3 min)
1. Two teams race to rebuild a full Jenga tower in 1 minute.
2. Highest tower wins.
NORMS (30 seconds):
1. Share the games.
2. Take turns fairly.
3. Respect each other.
4. Make sure you don't damage the games.
More Pep-up Options
2/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Session Name
Play Smart
Age Group
Ages 12-14
Session Intention
Children play complex board games that need planning, strategy, and rule management.
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. Children form their own groups of 4-6 and choose a game.
2. For Chess, pair a stronger player with a newer one.
3. Groups open and set up their own games.
1/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Play Time (~25-28 minutes)
GETTING GROUPS STARTED:
1. Get 1 person from each group to choose a game.
2. Check briefly that everyone knows the rules.
3. For complex games (Monopoly, Museum of Treasures), make sure at least one player knows the basics.
YOUR ROLE DURING PLAY:
1. Mostly observe. Let groups run their own games.
2. Do not interrupt a game in progress, especially Chess.
3. For fast games, encourage multiple rounds.
STEP IN WHEN NEEDED:
1. A rule dispute will not resolve - Each side states their view. Flip a coin to decide.
2. A student refuses to play - offer them the role of observer or referee.
3. A group finishes early - Start another round or try a different game.
What You May Notice
1. Older children can negotiate complex rules and strategies independently. Trust them.
2. Some will test each other's patience in longer games. That is healthy.
3. Notice who takes initiative in setting up and managing the game. It shows leadership.
3/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Closing (~3-5 minutes)
1. Announce - Wrap up your current round. Pack games carefully.
2. Ask 2 children - What move or decision are you most proud of today?
3. Ask - Think about what you'd do differently if you played again.
Try Next Time
1. Let children design a tournament format: who plays who, scoring, final round.
2. Try speed rounds: same game with a strict 10-minute limit.
3. Ask children to create one new rule for a familiar game and explain why it improves it.