#ukedchat Archive
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Thursday August 4, 2016
Q1. What role do pupil initiated games play in your school, both in & outside of the classroom? https://t.co/2q5M6PNYjY
is just starting... ask me again in an hour! 😉
To my shame, probably not many 'pupil-initiated' games. Most come from me.
A1 Pupil initiated - mainly at playtime, supported by welfare staff and TAs. Also have board games/lego available at lunchtime
Q1 again. What role do pupil initiated games play in your school, both in & outside of the classroom? https://t.co/2q5M6PNYjY
A1 - Most of the games in my classroom are set up by me, but often the Ss will ask to play them for revision purposes
Is there (should there) be any impact on classroom learning?
Do you think it is desirable for pupils to take more of a lead in this?
A1: In lessons I set up most of the games to ensure they have a particular focus or cover a specific area
Idea of board games at lunch is chn can come in by choice if feeling "wound up" on the yard - quicker to learning in pm
Could anyone suggest any books for EYFS about myself/family?
When it comes to revision (I work with KS4 & 5) it would be desirable as they would be revising whilst setting them up
. Pupil initiated games stimulate creativity and teamwork. We encourage them outside at breaks & inside at various times
Defiantly as they help students engage with the lesson content, they can also help build relationships with students
A2 If carefully planned for - clear purpose. Hence the difficulty with pupil initiated.
Are the children good an spotting when this is necessary? Usually the same children or a range?
Increasingly so-many times same chn with a few diff ones as well. Staff outside also spot bubbling chn and offer games
All of our boarding houses provide board games & some video games for Ss to play in free time
I built a lot of my revision this year around playing games and flipped learning
. If games are structured properly. Children learn to cooperate, take turns & even lose well. Learning can be fun too
So staff 'suggest' they may wish to play games inside?
My Ss loved Jenga and Beerless Pong revision games.
I'd like to play Jenga with them, how do you use beerless pong?
Yes exactly -welfare becoming more skilled at preempting issues
Games can be used to engage all learners. Learning is serious but educators should attempt to engage as much as poss
A2. Games and Play are part of our nature as human beings. To deny them in a classroom environment is counter to natural learning!
Can you share a particular HW game design which sticks in your memory, and why?
What a creative profession we are! Look at how we use games to make learning fun and interactive.
Are games the most effective way for teachers to engage learners?
A2 - They have their place. Perhapes more in EYS but there is still a place in primary and secondary even 6th form.
Playing big class games help you build good relationships with students
A3 Already answered - oops! Lunchtime board games available for chn to choose to come to library and "cool off"
each cup has a Q in it. when the ball goes in the cup the opposing team have to answer the Q, 1/2
you might want to check out tonight
2/2 if they miss the cup that team has to answer a Q from the miss pile.
A2: depends what your definition of a classroom is. Active learning shouldn't be confined to 4 walls or a building
Was just about to write this! Agree totally.
If students are engaged then they are more likely to be well behaved, all about BFL
Games have a place across all education, EYS to University. I'm now teaching the Refugee Crisis with Minecraft
great game involving tiddlywinks-football, times tables and
We use games in particular with our nurture group children. They help establish social skills which impact on behaviour
True. Interested in day to day (likely mostly classroom based) learning which happens in schools in this context.
So many possibilities with minecraft right across the curriculum
A3 - Games in tutor time can build a relationship with tutor group. Ss like to see T get involved
I have often commented that tiddlywinks are a much under used resource in schools!
I agree. Games teach us that a learning space is often anything but an enclosed room with seating and tables.
Engagement often leading to less low level disruption/off topic chat
again, depends on definition of 'game'. Such negative connotations associated. Help to remove barriers in my exp
Quick extra question: Do the type of games really change that much depending on the age of pupils?
I did a friday challenge with my form last 2 yrs it worked really well. They liked dartboard quiz most
We do something similar. We call it Big Play for chn who missed out KS1 or lack social skills.
Often, no. Maybe the constraints, or the learning from them can change rather than the game itself
heard of using jenga but what is beerless pong?
Not really, but I only teach KS4 & 5
sounds good - what is it?
How would you define 'game'?
I hadn't thought of tiddlywinks before but now have a lot of ideas. Might have get myself some
A3: develop core skills... patience, listening, respect, turn taking, working together, critical thinking etc
a2 AND a3 Games should be in class at every age. Good way of ch retaining information.
A4 Teamwork, fairplay, following and understanding rules, spatial awareness, gross motor skills also relevant in class
I couldn't get through a day without a big bag of tiddlywinks , endless uses
Not a lot. We see that in adults too. Candy Crush Saga played mostly by female adults...in and out of work! :)
A1 In class we have games for dev thinking skills.Pupil initiated games allow chn to be creative and social.
Also small groip board games and carouselling the players is a good way to get students discussing
use a velcro dartboard & when Q is answered correctly throw the dart, where ever it landed = the points.
You will never look back! 🔴🔵
it's essentially an activity. Generally will require skills development
You can see it working with these children. They actually gain self esteem leaning through playing together.
A2 Definitely. Sometimes profound learning happens through games - the aha moments, strategic thinking and fun!
I use loads of small group or paired games
Sports, and sport games, can provide a level playing field for those who are "less academic" as they are not based on knowledge.
A4. Mostly and significantly in the development of soft skills. Judgment, decision-making, empathy, patience, teamwork etc.
I've used the same types of games with different year groups in KS2. Chn adapt them as they want.
me too. One of my colleagues is excellent at using games to engage
By that definition, everything would be a game?
Hi all! Nic here from NZ. Love hearing about games and education. How do I find the questions for ?
Don't forget the hashtag. https://t.co/FjivaUOoTr
Perhaps we should enable children, especially those beyond Reception, to continue led play and observe the outcome. ( )
Definitely. Two TAs did the Big Play sessions and they talked about progress in social skills each week.
I follow the hashtag on tweetdeck so that I can keep up :-)
Thanks - but still no questions! Only answers.
I follow the hashtag but occasionally have to check feed to see the Q's.
maybe everything can be. Hence why I said 'game' can often have a negative connotation
We talk about assessment and how they negatively impact our children's experience of childhood but then constrict play. ()
A4 Team work, perseverance, mutual support are all developed in sport & brought & reinforced in the classroom.
a4:I think competition in classroom work is healthy. Sometimes we hold back but it can work well if managed.
games require skill and often element of tactic. Many default to 'gamer'-kids with head in console or playing Pokemon
Use dice, create gamecards, create and laminate boardgames and get students to create own games
A balance is needed. Chn like to learn how to play new games. My last class loved Sudoku puzzles!
a4: Children thrive off competition. I tend to stick to teams or pairs to lessen possible anxiety.
A5 Couldn't manage without dice - used them almost daily. Basic skills in maths through games also. Extending/improving sentences
... and strategy and tactics are certainly needed in learning. Interesting!
2 bags of dice were the best things I ever brought
I agree with you. Not in terms of grades etc but in a more low risk type of way such as revision games & inter-form.
I was 'invited' to be part of a games session. It was a privilege to see these young people develop
9 sided - fantastic resource!
Games can also be cooperattive - the class against a time limit or number of turns
Games are versatile, adaptive and engaging methods of teaching certain focuses. Games, when teaching, MUST have a purpose.
I try to build in a game based on content for students to play at least every couple of lessons, use them for AFL
I love this. In Key Stage 1 I rarely have individual players in games, unless it is in small groups.
I'll be near the play area next year so I might pop in and have a nose!!
I remember hearing the term 'chocolate covered broccoli' used to describe poorly designed games-based learning
My Ss love it when it is the class against me!
Definitely. Tendency to think of 'games' as mindless fun, but with such a tight timetable, activity=impact
Why only every couple of lessons? Time? Think the pupils will tired of the games? Something else?
https://t.co/Q0n8Cp6Bkm
I remember hearing the term 'chocolate covered broccoli' used to describe poorly designed games-based learning
Our reluctant Y1 son is taking part in the 'read 6 books this summer' campaign, organised by the local library. Works v. well.
One of the MOST successful "games" used last year was dice game involving modal verbs, doctors and die.
Not heard that one (and suffered worse at the hands of school catering!). Could you expand of that?
Doing Y6 science again next year... want something awesome to start with. Any suggestions?
Some games teach within the mechanism and others are a vehicle for review etc. Former better, IMO. https://t.co/luHRciHvnk
Games are versatile, adaptive and engaging methods of teaching certain focuses. Games, when teaching, MUST have a purpose.
More that to make well structured content relevant games take time to make
Yes definitely. I wouldn't pit children against each other academically, but low-risk quick activities work
offered me lots of potential when I was working with high-functioning students with Autism.
A5 we've 'gamified' school by willingly receiving board games & staff accepting the benefits of play because it works!
Absolutely but games should have a place in the classroom. Perhaps developing some to share is needed.
a4 Children naturally competitive: We sometimes force this out of them, is this a British thing?
do you know what the first thing you need to cover is?
A6 - I use a lot of games for revision & AFL. Inc Jenga, Dartboard, Beerless pong, Jeopardy, Minion Run, Splat.
A6 Fizz Buzz and Gladiator for x tables, chn make own snakes and ladders - Qs at snake/ladder - can link to anything
Nearly missed because I thought it was Wednesday.
Could you give some details of the progress of 'gamifying' at your school? Everyone on-board with it?
especially huge class based games
A good teacher uses ANYTHING that works, as long as the thinking behind it is secure. Why avoid games?
Do you not think that the social aspect to play (choice, sharing and rules) is something that ALL children should have?
A6 Sudoku,tiling puzzles,Boggle,Countdown,puzzle cards (Usborne) Main purpose to dev thinking skills and cooperation.
My MFL teaching wife swears by splat!
Get them building roller coasters out of pipe insulation and do some speed calculations or look at forces
LionsVsDragons board game. Paired pupils ask each other hard, med or easy qs and gain points. Always positive response!
A6. Mainly use various quizzes to check knowledge. Hangman is good starter for spelling and recall. Who am I? popular for revision
A6 To develop patience, resilience, anger management etc low risk games like jenga are fab
we play WordsWithFriends during morn reg. against my dad.They love it! Engaging, boosts their vocab and strategic play.
We have other game sessions.I'm all for fun and choice! Big Play is for chn who missed early learning in KS1
'Huge class' with limited no. of players per game is an interesting point. Can whole classes play together?
snakes and ladders, top trumps, pictionary, vocab noughts and crosses, hangman
Assessment for learning - seeing what Ss know to plan next steps.
Making own Top Trumps is a great character analysis activity
snakes and ladders, battle ships, maze games, loads of different dice games, treasure hunts
I am currently writing a blogpost about maths games. Some computer maths games are like muesli bars - pretending to be healthy.
https://t.co/I1tCw8shcr
There is certainly no reason too. Games give children with opportunities to investigate, question and reason. They are important.
Assessment for Learning. The idea of on-going assessment to inform next steps.
A7 Need to be planned for carefully, not used as reward/end of work.
I had my Y11s playing a revision labyrinth at the end of last year just requires lots of planing https://t.co/lYjqG52DWA
a6 I've used TES's iBoard for Maths games: interactive resources are effective
A7 Minecraft - symmetry/area using carpet tiles, recreating other settings etc, son made Anne Frank's house complete with annexe
A7 - I think so. Minecraft seems to work really well. Personally I like Memrise for healthy competition
Oulipo games (as demonstrated by ) develop creativity through constraint. Invaluable for English and developing vocab.
memrise is excellent for memory, recall, knowledge building & quizlet creates games with their own and shared knowledge
It's right through school from foundation to Y6. Staff encourage children to play games & develop them for their peers
A7 good for making quizzes
A7: Computer Science can be used to enhance most areas of the curriculum (Maths, English, Science, History, Geography..)
I'll give that a go. Thanks
A7 I have used Temple Run to develop narrative and developing a back story, Angry Birds for letter writing/persuasion
Awesome! Clearly my experience is different but the impact is evident and it shows the brilliance of our profession.
Showing my geeky nature (rarely hiding to be honest), but D&D is wonderful for stories, building characters & social interaction.
a7 Computer Games can be used to teach a variety of lessons: but most important is simulating real life
It is still in production, but this game has four different events, and is also a kit to make more games https://t.co/Y4EFegq3tV
ran a D&D club whilst doing teacher training :) I'm with you
Sport is a good example, pressure for every child to be involved, is this competitive?
Indeed. Far from always the case!
For MFL, games (battleship/connect 4) are really useful to engage pupils in drilling vocab & practicing speaking skills #
The use of FIFA was revolutionary when writing newspaper articles. Children made notes on events which happened in real time...
A4 Teamwork, fairness, strategic thinking, cooperation, taking turns, accepting decisions,understanding a bigger picture.
A8 Some - particularly with a whole staff - developing sense of team. Again, needs careful planning.
...5Ws were covered in the setup and statistical information provided support for main body of article writing.
Love this, contemplating it in Year 5 this year.
Coding can feel like a game and teaches so many good skills.
A4: Attitude to learning, teamwork, perseverance
just popping i. and are great ways to integrate gaming into the classroom. Individual or team!
Absolutely do it! I thought, naively, that only the lads would like it but the whole class was enthralled.
That is a brilliant idea. I know a boys writing club who will love this!
Sim Venture (a business simulation game) looked like it had real potential Wish I had had a chance to try it
I love to play 'survivor' with students. Designed around or ? But gets Ss to take risks & failing is fun!
Q8 Gamifying CPD may engage quieter members of staff, develop teamwork, fairness... the same things we want for chn.
A8 gamified CPD for me involved blindfolded building a block tower being given instructions by a colleague! We won!!
As long as aim/point clear, It can get teachers more engaged (esp in twilight sessions at end of long day teaching..)
A5: Games are another tool for learning, implement and use when relevant and purposeful
